JoLynn Payton, Founder/Executive Director

Jolynn Payton is the founder and executive director of Little Fannie's Heavenly Housing, a nonprofit organization established in August 2016 to support homeless young adults under the age of 25 and youth aging out of foster care. Inspired by the compassion and generosity of her grandmother, Fannie Dunigan, Payton created the organization to provide outreach services, emergency assistance, housing resources, and encouragement to vulnerable young people seeking stability and independence.

Before launching the nonprofit, Jolynn Payton worked for 15 years at the University of Chicago in several administrative positions, including managing federal grants. In 2015, she left her career to pursue her mission of helping individuals experiencing homelessness and hardship. Through Little Fannie’s Heavenly Housing, she has focused on empowering at-risk youth with dignity, compassion, and practical support services designed to help them transition toward safe and independent living

She is a wife to Mark Payton (Assistant Director), mother, grandmother and great grandmother.  Mark and Jolynn are members of Family Christian Center in Munster Indiana under the leadership of Steve and Melodye Munsey.  Jolynn's heart for the less fortunate is sincere and comes natural. She feels that we were put on the earth to help one another. Without Love you have nothing. 

Jolynn  became one of the WGN TV Remarkable Women Top 4 Contestant! Her Story was  aired March 23, 2021!

https://wgntv.com/news/remarkable-women/were-just-spreading-a-little-love-chicago-woman-provides-homeless-with-care-bags-on-frigid-days/

Jolynn received an honorarium award May 8, 2022 from JAD Production as Women of the Year In honor of her constant commitment to serve the less fortunate.  

Her goals, hopes and prayers are that Little Fannies Heavenly Housing will open up doors, advocate and help individuals with this journey of being homeless to transitioning into a independent safe and a happy life.