EPIC Insurance helps upgrade computer lab for affordable housing residents

The National Real Estate Practice of EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants recently donated $32,000 to Mercy Housing Lakefront to upgrade the computer lab at the Pullman Wheelworks Apartments and provide residents with the tech resources needed to further their educational and career goals.

The donation also included co-contributions from sponsors AmWins, AWAC, AEGIS, Allied World, CRC, Great Prairie, Ironshore, Mitsui, BMS, One Beacon, RT Specialty, Starr Specialty, Travelers, USA Risk, WTIS, XL Catlin, Berkshire Hathaway and QBE North America.

“We are grateful to EPIC and their sponsors for their generous support at Pullman Wheelworks,” said Mercy Housing Lakefront President Mark Angelini. “In our digital world, having the right tools to connect with the online world is imperative for success, and EPIC understood that and was eager to help. With their support, our residents are well-positioned to achieve their goals.”

Empowering residents

As one of the nation’s largest non-profit affordable housing organizations in the country, Mercy Housing emphasizes services that empower residents to achieve their full potential. It is redefining affordable housing by creating a stable foundation where residents can explore their potential, supported by practical resident programs such as health classes, financial education, employment initiatives, parenting and after-school programs for children. Mercy Housing partners with the community and makes a long-term commitment, bringing together resources and talent to build a region where everyone has access to an affordable home to act as a springboard to achieve better health, economic security and a brighter future for their kids.

With 210 affordable rental units, the Pullman Wheelworks Apartments serves low-to-moderate-income families in Chicago’s historic Pullman neighborhood. In addition to providing housing, the complex features an on-site computer lab, community-based activities, tenant leadership program, employment training and education services. During EPIC’s three-year relationship with Mercy Housing, its employees have visited a number of their properties and seen first-hand the dramatic impact that a safe, happy, clean and caring environment can have on individuals and families.

Related: RIMS hands out lemonade and hope for childhood cancer charity

Improving computer literacy

EPIC recognizes that having the tools to connect with today’s digital world is crucial for success, and the contribution will help to replace outdated computers and software to help support Mercy Housing’s goal of empowering residents to achieve their full potential. The lack of technological capacity in our country is a major issue that contributes to the academic achievement gap, leaving large numbers of children unprepared for success.

EPIC’s donation will help to give people of all ages the opportunity access tools needed to achieve the highest level of success. Adult residents will also benefit from the upgrades, as they will have increased capacity to pursue continuing education and access tools that improve their financial literacy.

“Here at EPIC we pride ourselves on giving back to the communities we live and work in,“ said John Hahn, co-founder and CEO of EPIC. “We have a team that personally invests their time, effort, energy and love into a wide range of important, deserving non-profits, community service organizations and charitable causes and we could not be more thrilled to support Mercy Housing Lakefront’s inspiring efforts. We strongly applaud Mercy Housing’s operations as our country tries to address an acute shortage of affordable housing and we are very proud of our association with them.”

Related: Leading InsurTech startup flaunts philanthropic business model

Kathleen Felderman (kathleen.felderman@epicbrokers.com) and Jonathan Griffiths (jonathan.griffiths@epicbrokers.com) are managing principals of EPIC’s National Real Estate Practice.