Glen Ellyn, IL ---- On Thursday, November 13th at 3:00P.M. the organized citizens of DuPage United led a celebration and call to action for affordable housing at Faith Lutheran Church, 41 N. Park Blvd, Glen Ellyn.
More than four years ago, Glen Ellyn residents and congregation members of DuPage United saw an opportunity to transform an old, problematic motel into a beautiful apartment building for essential workers in and around Glen Ellyn and individuals with disabilities. The developer, Full Circle Communities, will begin construction on the 640 Taft Avenue apartment homes soon. This development will serve households earning 80% or less of the area’s median income and individuals with disabilities.
Lindsey Haines, Executive Vice President of Real Estate Development at Full Circle Communities remarked: “Getting here to the building of these homes was not pre-determined. DuPage United brought us to the table and fought. All of us together made this happen.”
Communities like 640 Taft allow current and future residents of DuPage County to put down roots and invest in their community in an affordable and supportive setting. Multiple residents of DuPage County shared their personal stories of the benefit, and the need for more affordable housing.
DuPage United leader Roger Hughes issued a call to action for elected officials to reduce red-tape that hinders development to address the housing shortage in DuPage County. DuPage United leader, Dr. Saima Azfar (Islamic Circle of North America Relief, Glendale Heights) reiterated, “This is not a ‘one and done’ moment. DuPage United is committed to organizing in the civic sector to build the vision of five more affordable housing communities across DuPage County.” Deacon Miguel Briones (St. Mark’s Epsciopal Church, Glen Ellyn) issued this challenge: “Let us continue to take action and seek opportunities to build affordable housing for those we do not see but do live here in our community.”
This civic sector victory was organized by DuPage United, an affiliate of the Metro Industrial Areas Foundation. DuPage United’s twenty-one member institutions represent over 40,000 residents across DuPage County. For over twenty years DuPage United volunteer citizen leaders have led successful campaigns in education, public safety, and mental health to improve the life of residents of DuPage County.
The 640 Taft Apartments will generate estimated annual property taxes of $60,000 in its first year compared to the blighted hotel property that brought in about $16,000 per year at the time it was purchased by the Village of Glen Ellyn.
DuPage United assembled more than 250 residents to celebrate an affordable housing win in Glen Ellyn and to call for five similar developments across DuPage County, November 13, 2025 at Faith Lutheran Church in Glen Ellyn.
Artist’s Rendering of 640 Taft Ave, Glen Ellyn. Construction is beginning soon. (Photo credit: Full Circle Communities)