Bridging The Gap Chicago
Bridging The Gap Chicago
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  • Home
  • About Us
  • Programs
  • get involved
  • Gallery
  • Contact Us

WHO WE ARE

Bridging Gaps, Building Futures.

Bridging the Gap Communal Living (BTGCL) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to community and economic development, human services, and violence prevention in Englewood. Established in 2006, BTGCL empowers individuals and families by providing comprehensive case management services, affordable housing opportunities, and access to critical resources that foster self-sufficiency.

Our Work & Impact

BTGCL is committed to addressing the pressing need for affordable housing and supportive services in Chicago, where housing instability continues to affect low-to-moderate-income families. Through a holistic approach, we connect community members with essential services, including healthcare, education, career development, and entrepreneurship coaching. Our efforts aim to stabilize neighborhoods, create economic opportunities, and foster resilient, thriving communities.

Bridging the Gap: Addressing the Housing Crisis

The need for affordable housing and supportive services has reached a crisis level, leaving countless families struggling to find stability. Nationally, nearly a third of households spend over 30% of their income on housing, while 13% allocate more than half of their earnings just to keep a roof over their heads. In Illinois, the burden is even greater—72% of low-to-moderate-income households face unaffordable housing costs, and over half are severely cost-burdened.


This crisis disproportionately impacts communities of color. In Chicago, where only 10% of the affordable housing need is met, Black and Hispanic households experience housing instability at significantly higher rates. Englewood, in particular, has been deeply affected by foreclosures, economic hardship, and limited access to stable housing.


Bridging the Gap Communal Living is committed to reversing this trend. Through our affordable housing initiatives, holistic case management, and advocacy efforts, we are working to create long-term solutions that stabilize families and strengthen communities. As part of our commitment, we actively collaborate with partners, including the Englewood Quality-of-Life Plan, to develop new housing opportunities in a multi-phase approach that ensures sustainable, community-driven growth. Our goal is not just to provide shelter but to build a village—one that fosters security, self-sufficiency, and hope for generations to come.

Staff/Volunteers

Tanya Lee

Ryann Lollar

Ryann Lollar

Executive Director/Consulting 

Ryann Lollar

Ryann Lollar

Ryann Lollar

Youth Coordinator & Engagement 

HUGH gRADY

Carol MCBRIDE

Carol MCBRIDE

Resources Outreach Coordinator

Carol MCBRIDE

Carol MCBRIDE

Carol MCBRIDE

Community Resource Navigator Coordinator

Community Stakeholders & Collaborations

  • Teamwork Englewood
  • Senator Mattie Hunter Office 
  • Antioch Missionary Baptist Church
  • Kennedy King College
  • RAGE
  • Ward Alderman 20, 6,17,16, 15 & 3
  • Safer Foundation 
  • Catholic Charities
  • STAY LIT (Living in Truth)
  • State Rep Sonya Harper
  • Mr. Dad's Fathers Club 
  • Darius Foundation  
  • Children Matter’s 
  • Saint Bernard Hospital
  • Play Smart 
  • Kourtney Kindness
  • Women Infant and Children (WIC)
  • IL Dept. of Human Services- Englewood Local Office
  • IL Employment and Training Center (IETC) office.
  • Family Focus 
  • UIC 
  • National Able
  • IL Birth to Five
  • Joy of Memorable Creations
  • 51 Street Business Association 
  • Saving Our Seeds 
  • Nonprofit Community Information Forum
  • Cook County/Justice Advisory Council JAC
  • Illinois Action for Children
  • CEDA  
  • Network 11/Chicago Early Learning (CEL)
  • Bright Point
  • Provident Hospital Advisory
  • Together Englewood Collaboration   

board of directors

TANYA LEE

Ryann Lollar

LEE MARTIN

 

LEE MARTIN

Ryann Lollar

LEE MARTIN

Ryann Lollar

Ryann Lollar

Ryann Lollar

Dinah Felton

Valerie Arnold

Ryann Lollar

Kevin Morrow

Valerie Arnold

Valerie Arnold

Valerie Arnold

Valerie Arnold

Valerie Arnold

Felica Warner

Felica Warner

Felica Warner

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