The Association for Individual Development (AID) hosted a ribbon-cutting and open house ceremony on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 691 S. State Street in Elgin to celebrate the completion of The Wildwoods—a new affordable and supportive housing development.

The event featured remarks from several distinguished guests, including Lore Baker, AID President & CEO; Dave Kaptain, Mayor of Elgin; Corinne Pierog, Kane County Board Chairperson; Maura Hirschauer, Anna Moeller, and Suzanne Ness, Illinois State Representatives; Karina Villa, Illinois State Senator; and Jim Gould, AID Board Chairman.

The Wildwoods is comprised of two components: Wildwood Commons, a 24-unit permanent supportive housing community, and Wildwood Trace, a 50-unit affordable housing property.

This transformative project was made possible through the generous support of funding partners, including PNC Real Estate, ComEd, the Illinois Housing Development Authority, the Seigle Foundation, and Kane County.

During the ceremony, AID Board Chairman Jim Gould offered a memorable metaphor to describe the importance of the project:

“How many of you played musical chairs when you were kids?” Gould asked the crowd. “We all know the game: walk in circles, music stops, and everyone scrambles for a seat—but there aren't enough chairs. Someone always loses out. That’s the best explanation of the shortage of affordable housing in the U.S. It’s musical homes: fewer affordable units than people who need them—especially vulnerable populations. Under Lore’s leadership, AID is putting more chairs in the circle with this supportive housing. Together, we’ve added more chairs.”

About AID
The Association for Individual Development provides vital services to individuals with developmental disabilities, mental health needs, and those in crisis across Kane, Kendall, DeKalb, DuPage, Will, McHenry, and suburban Cook County. Founded in 1961 by parents of children with developmental disabilities, AID has grown into a comprehensive provider serving over 5,000 individuals in 2024. Services include mental health and crisis intervention, affordable housing, community outreach, street outreach, and more.
To learn more, visit www.aidcares.org.