Otto Veterans Square hosts an uplifting Veterans Day event filled with recognition, gratitude, and community care.
Chicago Heights, IL | November 9, 2025
As the nation honors America’s heroes for Veterans Week, the Housing Authority of Cook County (HACC) showed its heartfelt appreciation and unity at Otto Veterans Square in Chicago Heights.
On Friday, November 7, 2025 HACC hosted its inaugural Veterans Day Celebration and Resource Fair, transforming the Otto Veterans Square lobby and community room into a space brimming with pride, music, laughter, and genuine gratitude.
“We host this celebration to make sure our brave veterans feel seen, respected, and supported. And that there are support services available to them every day,” said HACC Property Manager Melva Stephenson. “It takes a lot of work and planning, but our team’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences for residents always shines through.”
Celebration with Purpose
From the moment guests arrived, they were greeted by smiling staff, patriotic décor, and the rhythmic sounds of music from DJ GEO, who kept spirits high with crowd favorites like “Boots on the Ground” and Alicia Myers’ “I Want to Thank You.”
Residents received complimentary care packages filled with daily essentials such as laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, and personal care items. Every veteran was also given a drawing ticket for a chance to win prizes donated by Dr. Joy Washington’s company, God’s Gift 2U.
Connecting Veterans with Care
Shingles, flu and COVID vaccines, provided by Jewel-Osco in collaboration with the Cook County Dept. of Public Health, were available to all veterans in attendance.
Beatrice Johnson from Humana offered guidance on Medicare Advantage options, like Humana USAA Honor plans, that complement VA benefits. “Veterans can use healthcare providers and hospitals outside the VA system, which may be closer to home, especially in an emergency,” Johnson explained.
For veterans facing transportation barriers, Daphine Phillips, Mobility Programs Coordinator for the Regional Transportation Authority, reassured attendees that help is available: “We have programs that ensure residents have access to public transportation whenever they need it. Residents can apply for free or reduced fare rides on the CTA, Metra, and Pace Suburban Bus,” Phillips said. “We also offer subsidized paratransit for persons with physical disabilities and access to Uber transportation on demand for up to 30 trips per month.”
Katie Kelly-Rodriquez, Veterans Service Officer with the Bloom Township Office of Veteran Affairs, emphasized the importance of awareness. “Our office is open to veterans and their families to assist in understanding and applying for qualifying benefits,” she said. “Some of those benefits include pension, education, disability compensation, home loans, life insurance, vocational rehabilitation, survivor support and burial benefits.”
In addition, Honor Flight Chicago shared information about a powerful one-day trip to Washington, D.C. that provides aging veterans with a no-cost opportunity to visit the memorials dedicated to their service in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.
Community That Cares
The Otto Veterans Square held its Grand Opening in fall of 2025. The 82-unit, four-story housing development was built on the former site of St. James Hospital. Inside its community room, six wall-mounted military branch seals donated by the VFW Auxiliary serve as a permanent tribute to service and sacrifice.
The day’s success was due to a powerful coalition of partners: Bloom Township Center, Humana MarketPoint, Regional Transportation Authority, South Suburban Humane Society, Daughters of Sheba, Verizon, VFW Auxiliary Post 311, Sugar Home Health, Cook County Public Health, and ADDUS Homecare. District 16 VFW Commander Bill Browne and all the members of the local VFW Posts and Auxiliaries provide an amazing level of continuous support.
“These partnerships show what it means to serve the people who once served our country,” Danita W. Childers added. “The collaboration amongst HACC staff, healthcare providers, local businesses, assist partners, and government agencies truly showcases our collective commitment and care.”
Erica Campbell, Behavioral Health Program Manager, as well as HACC’s South Region property managers and maintenance staff made this Veterans Day Celebration and Resource Fair possible.
Housing Authority of Cook County continues to connect residents to valuable resources and build community in our ongoing mission to provide housing where all residents can thrive.
