The Second Story Foundation Sells Final Recovery Home to Expand 2nd Story Ranch in Crete

CHICAGO - March 25, 2026 - The Second Story Foundation is selling its final recovery home in Chicago as it shifts fully into a larger, employment-centered recovery model in Crete.

The property at 4709 W. 128th St. in south suburban Alsip, purchased in 2022, is a four-bedroom, two-bathroom single-family home with approximately 2,262 square feet on a roughly one-third-acre lot. It has been used as a structured recovery residence for men coming out of treatment. It is listed at $375,000, with the organization open to competitive offers. Proceeds from the sale will be directed into 2nd Story Ranch, a 68-acre recovery housing and jobs program now in development and the focus of a $4.5 million capital campaign.

"The single-home model has real limits in how many people it can serve," said Jim O’Connor, executive director of The Second Story Foundation. "2nd Story Ranch gives us the ability to bring housing, work, and daily structure into one place and operate at a larger scale."

The shift comes as the gap between treatment and long-term recovery continues to widen. National data show that millions of Americans meet the criteria for substance use disorder each year, while only a small share receive treatment, and fewer still have access to stable housing and support after discharge. Many people leave detox or residential programs without housing, income, or a daily routine, which increases the likelihood of relapse and repeat use of emergency and treatment services.

2nd Story Ranch is designed around that post-treatment period. Residents live on site, take part in daily work, and remain in a structured environment over longer periods. The program combines housing, peer support, and employment through a workforce development and structured recovery program, with elements such as equine-assisted healing integrated into the model. The initial phase is designed to house up to 15 men at a time, with plans to expand capacity over time.

"People do better when those elements are consistent and happen together," O’Connor said. "Housing, routine, and work all play a role in whether someone stabilizes over time."

Teri Ruff, whose firm UTR Investments LLC is handling the sale and previously worked with The Second Story Foundation on the acquisition of the ranch property, said the transition reflects a clear shift in how the organization is approaching recovery.

“This work with the Second Story Foundation goes beyond a transaction,” Ruff said. It represents a strategic transition from transitional housing to a sustainable model designed to support and strengthen the specific population they serve. It’s a clear example of how real estate, when aligned with purpose, can create lasting, measurable impact.”

The organization has operated recovery homes in the south suburbs as part of its early model. The transition to a single site in Crete enables it to increase capacity and run the program more cohesively.

The home will remain in operation until the sale is complete. The Foundation expects future capacity to be centered at the Crete site as 2nd Story Ranch moves forward.

Front exterior view of the home at 4709 W. 128th St., Alsip, IL.Dining area with window light at 4709 W. 128th St., Alsip, IL.

Living room with seating area and natural light at 4709 W. 128th St., Alsip, IL.Open living and dining space at 4709 W. 128th St., Alsip, IL.

Bedroom with natural light and neutral finishes at 4709 W. 128th St., Alsip, IL.Bedroom with natural light and modern flooring at 4709 W. 128th St., Alsip, IL.

Bedroom with double windows and neutral decor at 4709 W. 128th St., Alsip, IL.Kitchen with updated appliances and dining area at 4709 W. 128th St., Alsip, IL.

Kitchen and living area with open layout at 4709 W. 128th St., Alsip, IL.Bathroom with updated fixtures and shower at 4709 W. 128th St., Alsip, IL.Bathroom with vanity and shower curtain at 4709 W. 128th St., Alsip, IL.

Living room with seating area and window light at 4709 W. 128th St., Alsip, IL.Carpeted staircase with wood handrail at 4709 W. 128th St., Alsip, IL.Upper-level hallway with modern flooring at 4709 W. 128th St., Alsip, IL.

Interior hallway with closet doors at 4709 W. 128th St., Alsip, IL.Rear exterior view with fenced yard at 4709 W. 128th St., Alsip, IL.Backyard with lawn and exterior view of the home at 4709 W. 128th St., Alsip, IL.