Award recognizes outstanding partnership and commitment to preventing homelessness through the Chicago Rents program
CHICAGO, IL — All Chicago is proud to announce Nigel Mandel as the recipient of the 2026 Key to Hope Award, recognizing his exceptional partnership and unwavering commitment to helping individuals and families achieve housing stability through the Chicago Rents program.
Presented annually at the Breakfast with All Chicago, the Key to Hope Award honors a Chicago Rents partner whose collaboration, leadership, and dedication have made a meaningful impact on preventing homelessness and expanding access to stable housing across Chicago.
Nigel was nominated by Stephanie Malone, with additional nominations from Derrick Cabrera, Anastasia Vardys, and Natasha Al-Rafie, reflecting the broad appreciation for his partnership among All Chicago staff. Over the past three to five years, Nigel has distinguished himself as a trusted housing partner by consistently putting participants first and embracing the principles of Housing First.
Throughout his partnership with All Chicago, Nigel has worked to remove barriers that often prevent individuals and families from securing housing. He has demonstrated flexibility by streamlining his leasing process for Chicago Rents participants, offering fair rental rates, accepting short-term leases when needed, and ensuring that applicants are not defined by their circumstances. His willingness to approach each participant with dignity and compassion has helped create pathways to stable housing for many households.
Nigel’s commitment extends well beyond providing available units. He is recognized for his responsiveness, collaborative approach, and willingness to work alongside All Chicago staff to resolve challenges as they arise. Whether addressing maintenance concerns, facilitating participant relocations, or updating lease agreements to better meet participant needs, Nigel consistently demonstrates a solutions-oriented mindset that strengthens housing outcomes.
One nomination highlighted Nigel’s extraordinary compassion following a participant-caused apartment fire. Rather than ending his partnership or focusing on the financial loss, Nigel immediately offered the participant a temporary unit while repairs were completed. His continued willingness to provide housing opportunities following this incident exemplifies his dedication to supporting participants during times of crisis and reinforces his commitment to the Chicago Rents program.
The Key to Hope Award celebrates partners whose work reflects All Chicago’s mission of preventing homelessness and promoting housing stability through strong community partnerships. Nigel’s dedication, flexibility, and participant-centered approach embody the spirit of this recognition and serve as an inspiring example of what can be achieved through collaboration.
All Chicago will present the 2026 Key to Hope Award to Nigel Mandel at the Breakfast with All Chicago on October 8, 2026, where community leaders, housing partners, advocates, and supporters will gather to celebrate the partnerships that help create lasting housing solutions throughout Chicago.
About All Chicago
All Chicago works to prevent and end homelessness through collaboration, data, and systems leadership. As the lead agency for Chicago’s Continuum of Care, All Chicago partners with community organizations, housing providers, funders, and government agencies to strengthen the homeless response system and expand access to stable housing across Chicago.
Media Contact
Hank Sartin
Director of Communications
All Chicago
872-291-1278
hsartin@allchicago.org
