Better Living Initiative offers holistic, affirming support to LGBTQ individuals through a range of housing, health, education, and outreach programs. Grounded in lived experience and community leadership, our services are designed to empower, uplift, and create pathways to stability and independence.

Our 6–12 month Shelter/Housing Program provides safe, dorm-style accommodations, meals, and peer-led education to support personal growth and reintegration. Our Medical & Housing Case Management team offers assessments, referrals, HIV care coordination, vocational training, and life skills development.

The S.A.F.E. BUS brings critical resources—food, hygiene kits, showers, clothing, and transportation vouchers—directly to underserved neighborhoods in a mobile, judgment-free space.

Our 24-hour Drop-In Center (ages 18–25) offers meals, health services, cultural programming, and transportation from the CTA Red Line.

We offer GED mentoring and career counseling tailored to LGBTQ individuals, addressing barriers such as childcare and transit, while fostering success through one-on-one support.

Our peer-led Street & Community Outreach engages hard-to-reach individuals with housing and healthcare support, HIV testing, and safer sex resources. The Transgender Leadership Initiative builds a strong network of trans leaders to shape policy, strengthen HIV service delivery, and drive advocacy.

This initiative develops leadership among transgender individuals to:

• Improve HIV service delivery

• Increase policy involvement

• Create a connected leadership cohort

By investing in trans-led solutions, we strengthen advocacy, visibility, and health outcomes within the community.

Our Housing & Rental Program provides units at income-based rates—from low and no-income options to market rate—ensuring accessible housing options for all.

Through Youth Outreach (HOCOI Young Adults), we partner with charter schools to deliver inclusive STI education and advocate for the rights and needs of at-risk LGBTQ youth.