action update - Fall 2006

LAC SUCCEEDS IN PLACING AFFORDABLE HOUSING
REFERENDUM ON BALLOT!

During the month of August, dozens of LAC leaders collected over 350 signatures in favor of an affordable housing set-aside ordinance from voters in Lincoln Park. Those signatures successfully placed a referendum on the November 7^th ballot in 6 precincts in the 43^rd ward. The referendum will read:

Shall the Chicago City Council enact the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance, to promote a balanced
community with housing available for working families and individuals of varying income levels?

A referendum is an advisory, non-binding question put to the voters. It is a strong reflection of the feelings of the voters in the ward, and often influences decisions made by public officials.

The main goal of the referendum is to impact the position of Alderman Vi Daley, who has neglected to support the affordable housing set-aside ordinance. It re-enforces the message we have been sending her for the past 4 years:

Residents of Lincoln Park want her to take decisive actions that will bring reasonably priced housing to the community!

NOW THAT THE REFERENDUM IS ON THE BALLOT, WE NEED TO MAKE SURE IT PASSES!

In September and October we will be working to educate voters about affordable housing by knocking on doors, making phone calls, making announcements, and using other means.

Please help us by:
-Identifying leaders in your institution who could join our precint teams in educating voters
-Speaking publicly about this issue to your congregation so they understand the issue
-Brainstorming other ways to assist this action!

Call Lakeview Action Coalition at 773-549-1947 x 364 to join one of our precinct teams or for more information!

PROTESTANTS FOR THE COMMON GOOD CALL
FOR BALANCED DEVELOPMENT

On September 27, 2006 Protestants for the Common Good held a press conference of clergy representing all 50 wards in Chicago to call for the passage of the Balanced Development Set Aside Ordinance. This event was organized with assistance from many organizations, including LAC.

The group presented an open letter to Mayor Daley and all 50 Aldermen which states that:

“Chicago is being revitalized. We give thanks to God and our leaders for this new infusion of growth, energy, and opportunity. Let us make sure, however, that these wonderful blessings are available not only to the wealthy few, but are shared by all who love and cherish this great city.”

The group of clergy marched around City Hall and to the 5^th Floor of City Hall to deliver their message: it is a moral imperative that Chicago officials support smart, aggressive affordable housing policies. This will allow for communities to remain diverse, and working families to continue to add to the texture of the City.

Local clergy who took part in this press conference included Rabbi Asher Lopatin from Anshe Sholom B’nai Israel Synagogue, Reverend Joy Strome from Lakeview Presbyterian Church, Reverend Trey Hall from Holy Covenant United Methodist Church, Reverend Greg Dell from Broadway United Methodist Church, and Reverend Avena Ward from St. Paul United Church of Christ.

YOUTH ALLIES CALL TO ACTION!

The LAC Homeless Youth/Police Relations Task Force is calling on our 20 Youth Allies to suport a youth at several upcoming court dates.
It has been reliably reported that this young person was assaulted by several police officers in front of witnesses, and we are attending
court dates in solidarity with this youth. Please contact LAC for the upcoming court dates, and for further information.

LAC/Police Hold Forum

The idea began in discussions with Police District 19 about the possibility of LAC leaders doing a training for police sergeants to assist them in working with homeless youth and LGBT youth on the streets in Lakeview. In January, after Sergeants from both the 19^th and 23^rd districts and LAC leaders devoted hours to develop a training, we brought the idea to Police Superintendent Cline. He like the concept, and sent it to the CPD Legal Department. They didn’t like the concept.

At that point it evolved to a series of forums, targeting local sergeants (because they oversee the cops on the street), in which the community could speak about their hopes that the police treat everyone in the community with dignity and respect, and where stories about how youth are actually being treated could be related. In the end, the District Commanders and other high level CPD officials would relay their expectations on how the sergeants deal with cases of police misconduct and abuse day to day.

The first forum was held on July 10^th, after the police committed that 20 sergeants would attend at the convention. About 40 community leaders where present. While the community members were clear that the youth should be treated and respected in the same way any other Lakeview resident is treated, the police officials did not clearly speak to the sergeants about their expectations. And though the collaborative process was a good way to build relationships between the police and community leaders, many feel that the police did not keep up their end of the bargain. One very positive outcome: since the forum, LAC leaders have been meeting regularly with Area 3 Chief Caluris (area 3 includes both local police districts).

LAC leaders are strategizing about future plans for discussions with the police.

CHARITY CARE IN LAKEVIEW

LAC’s healthcare task force has been actively working to ensure that the local non-profit hospitals live up to their commitment to give Charity Care. Charity Care is defined by the local institution, but is broadly defined as health care for low income individuals or households without adequate insurance. Many low income single individuals in Lakeview are not eligible for any government programs, and without Charity Care, would slip completely through the cracks.

Local hospitals St. Joseph’s (a part of the Resurrection system) and Illinois Masonic (a part of the Advocate system) are exempt from many local, state and federal taxes, and Charity Care is their repayment for those tax breaks. A recent study released by the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability, (found at http://ctba.inspidered.com/view.php?url=/files/charity_care_study.pdf) quantifies the amount of local and state tax breaks given to many Illinois non-profit hospitals against the amount of charity care provided. The Advocate Health Care System gets over $79 million in tax breaks and has reported spending only just over $20 million in charity care. The Resurrection System gets just under $45 million and has reported spending just under 14 million in Charity Care.

The leaders of the LAC Health Care Task force continue to work to help both Illinois Masonic and St. Joseph’s serve all members of the community, especially those struggling. To join us, please call LAC.

Lincoln Park Plaza Tenants Association Meets with HUD

Having won a great victory last year - a commitment from building owner Jamie Purcell, of BJB Partners & Barry Realty Inc., to renew their Section 8 contract for 5 more years – tenants from Lincoln Park Plaza (formerly known as Rienzi Plaza) have been closely tracking the renewal process. In late July, this proactive approach took the form of a successful meeting with HUD project manager Ken Jones. At the meeting Jones affirmed that HUD is committed to keeping the building affordable. Although Mr. Purcell’s paperwork seems to be on track, Mr. Jones said he would notify the residents of Lincoln Park Plaza if the owner does anything of significance, in addition to encouraging Purcell to get his paperwork in ASAP.

The team of leaders in the Lincoln Park Plaza Tenants Association are now gearing up for a meeting with Mr. Purcell later this month. The meeting is to affirm his commitment to renew the section 8 contract, which would expire at the end of this year, and thank him for the work he has done to improve building conditions.

Dear LAC Members and Supporters:

The past couple of months have been busy, exciting and full of changes at LAC. As many of you know, Alyssa Siegel, who organized with us for nearly three years, moved to New York this summer. She has been missed, but luckily the leadership she was working with has continued in their unceasing efforts to make real, positive change in our community. In early September, Becca Linden started as community organizer. Becca is native of Charlottesville, Virginia, and a recent graduate of Wesleyan University in Connecticut. Becca’s previous organizing experience includes field managing and canvassing for a voter registration drive across the state of Maine. We look forward to giving Becca much more experience!

LAC continues to address the root causes of social injustice in the community. In the past few months, we have met with Police Superintendent Cline to work on improving the relationship between the police and the youth in Lakeview, we gained 350 signatures in Lincoln Park in one month in support of an affordable housing referendum (and that referendum will be on the November 7th ballot in some Lincoln Park precincts), and we met with Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s key staff to discuss ways to ensure that low income un and under-insured people get the health care that they need. We continue to work with organizations from all around the city, building our power in the process.
If you’ve been a part of all of this work, thank you, and if not, please join us.

LAC runs on an extremely efficient budget, and we count on all of your contributions. In the next few months, please consider supporting the work of LAC financially. You have several opportunities in October and through the end of the year. LAC will be holding a Wine Tasting Fundraiser on October 26th at Uncommon Ground. The tickets for this event are $100, and we expect it to be very informative (about wine, of course), and a fun time to socialize with other LAC members at a hip venue. There is a raffle in conjunction with this event, so please buy and sell some of these tickets in the next month. Finally, your individual contributions are always welcome, and tax deductible.

Again, thanks to everyone who is contributing their time, treasure and talent to LAC. We are making a difference in the community and throughout Chicago.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Ritter-Gonzalez, Executive Director
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Thank you to all of you who have given your time and energy to making LAC a successful catalyst for social change. If we are going to continue to work for justice, solidarity, and diversity in Lakeview, we also need your financial support. Think Locally!

YES, I want to give my support to preserve and create affordable housing, ensure that all in our community have access to health care, and support Lakeview homeless youth!

Enclosed is my tax-deductible contribution in the amount of:

____$10 ____ $25 ____ $50 ____ $100 ____other

Name:______________________________

Want to get more involved? _____________

Please make checks payable to the Lakeview Action coalition and mail to 3225 N. Sheffield, Chicago, IL 60657.

THANK YOU!

LAC Wine Tasting Fundraiser

Come support LAC and learn about different wines.

Thursday, October 26, 2006
6:30-8:30 pm

Uncommon Ground
3800 N. Clark, Chicago

$100 per person, Includes wine and appetizers
Advance purchase only, and space is limited!

Raffle

Prizes include dinner and theater packages in Lakeview!

Tickets are $5 each
Winners will be drawn at Wine Tasting
(but you do not have to be at wine tasting to win)
Raffle tickets sold until October 23^rd by LAC members

Contact LAC to reserve seats for the fundraiser, to buy raffle tickets, or to pick up raffle tickets to sell.

All contributions are tax deductible.

Up-ComingEvents:

Call Jennifer Ritter-Gonzalez,
773-549-1947 X364, for more information.

United Power for Action and Justice Press Conference on Housing Commitment in Chicago and Illinois: Thursday, Oct 12

Wine Tasting Fundraiser: Thursday, Oct 26

United Power for Action and Justice Gubernatorial Candidate Event: Sunday, Oct 29^th

LAC Board Elections and Community Council meeting: Thursday, Nov 9^th 7pm, 4040 N Sheridan

*Please contact LAC staff or a current board member if you are interested in running for the LAC Board.

Lakeview Action Coalition Mission Statement

The Lakeview Action Coalition (LAC), a multi-issue community organization, enables its diverse institutional members to act collectively on their values in public life by participating in the decisions that shape our community’s future. LAC fulfills this mission by organizing people around issues affecting our members and developing leaders through training action and reflection. LAC stands for justice, solidarity, and diversity.

Want to get more involved? _____________

Please make checks payable to the Lakeview Action Coalition and send to 3225 N. Sheffield, Chicago, Illinois 60657. THANK YOU!

L.A.C. STAFF:

Jennifer Ritter-Gonzalez                            Alyssa Siegel                                        Linda Slavik
Executive Director                                    Community Organizer                            Business Manager
773-549-1947 x364                                   773-549-1947 x385                                773-549-1947 x365
jenrg@lakeviewaction.org                        asiegel@lakeviewaction.org               lslavik@lakeviewaction.org

*********

We’re on the Web!
See us at:
www.lakeviewaction.org

Action Update — Spring 2006

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

1 - LAC Convention May 24th - What’s at Stake

2 - Health Care Task Force Takes the Show on the Road

3 - Homeless Youth Task Force Fights to Win!

4 - LAC Welcomes Three New Members

5 - Housing: Lincoln Park Plaza and Lincoln Park Shelter updates
6 - Mission Statement and Upcoming Dates

May 24, 7 pm

Doors open at 6:30 pm

Anshe Emet Synagogue, 3751 N. Broadway, at Grace

What’s at Stake?

· Affordable Housing: Help renew the Section 8 contract at Lincoln Park Plaza (Diversey & Broadway). Help pass a law requiring Chicago developers to set aside a percentage of affordable units.

· Homeless Youth and Police Relations: Celebrate the creation of Youth Allies – congregations, non-profits, and businesses who pledge to respect and support youth. Take action to address police misconduct against our community’s most vulnerable members.

· Health Care: Push for stronger state laws on hospital charity care and bill collection. Help us launch our campaign for more services for the uninsured in our community.

· Our chance to claim our values and vision for our community. Let’s be loud and proud!

For more information or to RSVP, call Lakeview Action Coalition: (773) 549-1947

www.lakeviewaction.org

Child care, buses, limited parking available – call for details

(Child care and bus reservations deadline: May 15th)

****see attached flyer****

Please tell your friends!

Health Care Task Force Takes the Show on the Road

For years, LAC leaders have heard stories of Lakeview residents (including some LAC leaders) getting their medical bills sent to collection agencies before they even had a chance to pay. Many of these people were even eligible for Charity Care - free or reduced price care that non-profit hospitals are required to give people below a certain income level. This is a requirement because these hospitals receive significant tax breaks; they are exempt from Illinois property tax, income tax and use taxes. Some estimates have the Advocate System alone saving over $70 million a year in tax breaks.

Many local hospitals have very generous policies regarding charity care; in fact, at Illinois Masonic, an individual who makes under $19,141 is eligible for free emergency care. But it is often difficult for people to access the charity care program.

LAC is one of several community organizations that created Care for All, a public information campaign geared towards making the charity care policies at non-profit hospitals transparent. Participants are screened to ensure that they are income eligible and not eligible for other programs, and then are given a bright orange card with a script for when they are in the emergency room. If they are still billed for their visit, there is a help line listed where they can call for assistance in dealing with their bills. LAC has signed up over 200 people to Care for All, and several have been helped with bills.

It is clear that there is a need for stronger policies to hold hospitals accountable for their aggressive billing practices and to make charity care access more straightforward and consistent.

In February of this year, 20 LAC leaders got on a bus before 7 am to head down to Springfield in support of two proposals that would improve the situation of the uninsured and really all health care consumers in the state of Illinois. HB 4999, The Fair Billing and Collection Practices Act, which eventually passed both the Assembly and the Senate with strong support, requires hospitals to send out understandable bills, and to have a clear appeals process. While several important provisions where lost in negotiations with the Illinois Hospital Association (IHA), the new law is a good next step and has brought the issue out in the open.

HB 5000, the Tax Exempt Hospital Responsibility Act, did not make it so far. This bill is buried in committee, but should be resurrected in the session starting January 2007. It would systematize charity care at non-profit hospitals. Currently hospitals can decide who is eligible for charity care and what type of care is provided. The amount of charity care that each hospital provides is not mandated. HB 5000 states that hospitals would have to provide charity care equal to at least 8% of their total operating costs, and determines what income level would make a person eligible for free or reduced price care. The hospitals could continue to determine how they meet those goals.

"There is a need for accountability around the charity care system. I constantly hear stories of people asking for charity care forms and still getting billed. I thought this was why the hospitals were getting all those tax breaks," said Carol Small, Belray resident and LAC Board Member.

Both proposals were put forth by Attorney General Lisa Madigan, who has been a strong advocate for health care. One of the Attorney General's main jobs is to oversee the non-profit organizations in Illinois, including non-profit hospitals.

The health care team will continue to work on the issue of health care accessibility to low income people, and will discuss ways we all can make a difference at the Convention on May 24th.

Homeless Youth Task Force Fights to Win!!

Over the last year, LAC members have learned about a hidden Lakeview:
1) 12,000 youth are homeless at some point yearly in Chicago, and Lakeview is a gathering place for many. They become homeless mostly due to serious family problems, such as abuse, illness, drug addiction, or abandonment. They seek safety, services, companionship, and acceptance for their sexual orientation. There are fewer than 100 shelter beds for youth under 18. Some stay in abandoned buildings, couch surf, or engage in survival sex for a place to stay.

2) There is a pervasive culture of harassment and abuse of homeless youth among 19th and 23rd District police officers. By no means are all officers involved, but misconduct is not limited to a few. Over the last year, staff at The Night Ministry, Broadway Youth Center, Center on Halsted, and Youth Pride Center have helped youth document hundreds of incidents of police misconduct – from illegal stops, searches, and arrests to beatings and physical abuse. Official complaints have been filed, but in two years no officer has been publicly held accountable.
We are acting to support our youth and fix the system!

Youth Allies: Lakeview congregations, non-profits and businesses are joining together as Youth Allies to build a powerful base of people ready to act together. Already 13 congregations, nonprofits, a business, and 44th Ward Ald. Tom Tunney have signed on and are sitting at the same table with homeless youth to find solutions through the Homeless Youth and Police Relations Task Force. Youth Allies are organizing to volunteer or organizing donation drives. To learn more (and for a list of Youth Allies), visit www.lakeviewaction.org.

Working with businesses: We are collaborating with Central Lakeview Merchants Assn. and East Lakeview Chamber of Commerce on art and gardening projects so homeless youth can showcase their creativity in the community and build relationships with business leaders.

Working with police: Two years of regular meetings with our police district commanders paid off in a January meeting with Police Superintendent Cline. He reacted favorably to a proposal to train sergeants on correct street-stop procedures and on homeless youth issues. After the meeting, though, we couldn’t get our phone calls returned. We took action. In one week, leaders collected 150 letters supporting the training and Ald. Tunney called the superintendent on our behalf. The afternoon we delivered the letters, we got a call and a meeting with police officials.

Although the CPD said no to the training proposal, we are now negotiating with top police brass on several proposals to achieve our goals – building relationships with police, educating sergeants about homeless youth issues, and building stronger local accountability for officers. It has become clear that we have to keep on fighting and remain vigilant if we expect to make any gains!

We have invited Superintendent Cline to our May 24 LAC Convention to make a commitment to our community that the Chicago police will fulfill their commitment to “serve and protect” all of our city’s citizens! We need you to be there too, to show the superintendent and his force that you will not stand for mistreatment of youth or any other citizens.

**************************************************************************************************************************************************

At the October 2004 LAC Convention you heard about an incident of police abuse in July of that year at

The Night Ministry’s Beat the Heat program at Belmont and Halsted. While staff and church volunteers provided

food, toiletries and support to homeless youth, a police officer approached and verbally and physically assaulted

the group, particularly targeting one youth and one staff person.

A formal complaint was filed in the hope that some action would be taken to hold the officer accountable.

Close to two years later, and despite several other formal complaints filed by other youth against the same officer,

the case is still open and the officer is still on the streets with a badge and a gun. If even a case with widespread

community, aldermanic, and media attention does not yields results, how is the Chicago Police Department’s

system of accountability supposed to work for the average citizen?

It’s become clear that the system is broken, and we as a community need to push for local accountability.

**************************************************************************************************************************************************

LAC Welcomes Three New Members

ST. JOSAPHAT CATHOLIC CHURCH’s mission is to welcome people of all ages, cultures, races and backgrounds to come together as a Catholic community of faith. St. Josaphat “shares a vision of Church being a people who comfort, who forgive, who challenge, who inspire, who love and who pray together.” St. Josaphat Parish was founded in 1883 and joined LAC as a member in the beginning of this year. St. Josaphat is a vibrant, diverse, and healthy parish serving the people of its Lincoln Park/West DePaul community.

YOUTH PRIDE CENTER joined LAC early this year. Its mission is to develop, empower, and engage the LGBTQA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Allied) and homeless youth communities for the purpose of becoming active members of society through social education, development, and self-advocacy.
Youth Pride Center (YPC) has been open since October 23, 2003 and has been serving many youth ever since. “As an advocate for LGBT and homeless youth, the Youth Pride Center is determined to represent the population we serve when they are not able to themselves. YPC members frequent the Lakeview area on a daily basis, and their safety is important to our organization," said Frank Walker, which is one of the main reasons why YPC joined LAC. YPC first became involved with LAC last year when the Homeless Youth/Police Relations Initiative was introduced, and has been an active participant ever since.

BETHLEHEM UCC was founded in 1884 to serve the Lincoln Park/Lakeview area. BUCC became a new member of LAC this year. Bethlehem’s mission is to serve everyone in the community, and to be a warm and welcoming presence in Lincoln Park/Lakeview. Bethlehem Pastor Reverend Wayne MacPherson has been involved in LAC’s work on accessible healthcare, particularly the work with the Advocate system.
Keven Dronen, Dir. Development Ministry & In Care Seminarian at BUCC, has been very involved in LAC. Keven has also serves on the Homeless Youth & Police Relations Task Force, and BUCC recently agreed to become a “Youth Ally”. “When our daily trials and tribulations seem overwhelming, we need to think of all the homeless youths who struggle hour by hour with rejection, the weather and a sense of abandonment from their childhood homes and often times their communities of faith,” Keven remarked.

Housing Updates

Tenants Leverage Alliances

Lincoln Park Plaza Tenants Association (formerly Rienzi Plaza) is continuing to organize themselves into a strong association. The tenants have won a commitment from the owner, Jamie Purcell of BJB Realty, to renew the building’s Section 8 contract for 5 years, but are vigilantly doing everything possible to make sure that the process is followed properly on both the owner’s and HUD’s (Federal Housing and Urban Development) ends. Recently, tenants met with the building manager to discuss improvements needed in the building, and met with an ally, the owner of several other Section 8 buildings, to learn more about the renewal process.

The tenants have also started working with U.S. Representative Rahm Emanuel’s office, as he is their representative and can influence the federal Section 8 contract process. Tenants have asked Rep. Emanuel for his support for ensuring the renewal of the contract. At the LAC Convention on May 24th, tenants will celebrate their growth and successes in the building, including longer security hours, more maintenance staff, and a working fire alarm system. Next steps for the Tenants Association include developing a direct relationship with HUD and leveraging support from surrounding congregations.

Lincoln Park Shelter Wins Special Use Permit

Many LAC members have spent more time than usual in the past few months at City Hall in support of the Lincoln Park Community Shelter, and it took a mere hour and a half on April 13 for the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) to make the unanimous decision to support the shelter's special use permit. Several hundred supporters sat in council chambers as the ZBA heard the end of the argument for and against the special use permit, and took their vote. With this permit, the shelter will be able to proceed with the renovations necessary to keep the building up to code and continue their important work.

The shelter opposition began when the shelter determined they needed to make some renovations. A few vocal neighbors began litigation in an attempt to shut down the shelter, which complicated the special use permit process. In the end, the Shelter board and the litigants were able to negotiate a settlement, and the shelter agreed to a few concessions, including a decrease in beds from 40 to 35, and increased security. In return the lawsuit and opposition to the special use permit was dropped.

The outpouring of support for the shelter was widespread. LAC leaders made a strong showing at all of the hearings, as did members of all of the surrounding congregations. Other supporters included United Power for Action and Justice, the Partnership to End Homelessness, the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs and DePaul University.

The Shelter and Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church will now be moving forward with their renovations. Shelter improvements will include an updated kitchen, bathroom and computer lab. When the renovations are complete, shelter guests will have beds to sleep on instead of mats and women will have a separate sleeping area.

Victory in Logan Square

LAC supported our neighbors in Logan Square, while continuing work to pass a citywide affordable housing set aside ordinance. 35th ward Alderman Ray Colon has put the following referendum on the March 21st ballot:

“Shall the Chicago City Council enact the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance, in order to help ensure a balanced community with housing available for diverse families and individuals of varying income levels?”

Although Alderman Colon is currently signed on to this ordinance, the results of this referendum could impact the other 23 Alderman currently signed on to the ordinance.

LAC took responsibility for voter education and turnout in one precinct in the ward, the 33rd precinct. Leaders spent a total of 93 hours in February and March doorknocking and calling potential voters. All this work yielded a big victory: 103 voters came out to vote in support of the referendum, giving us a 76% majority. Throughout the 35th ward, 77% of the voters supported the referendum for balanced development!

Lakeview Action Coalition Mission Statement

The Lakeview Action Coalition (LAC), a multi-issue community organization, enables its diverse institutional members to act collectively on their values in public life by participating in the decisions that shape our community’s future. LAC fulfills this mission by organizing people around issues affecting our members and developing leaders through training, action and reflection. LAC stands for justice, solidarity, and diversity.

Developing Leaders *** Fostering Diversity *** Acting Together for Justice

LAC Upcoming Meetings:

LAC Community Council Meeting: Thursday, May 11, 7 pm, Ruth Shriman House, 4040 N. Sheridan

Homeless Youth/Police Relations Task Force: Tuesday, May 16, 7 pm, call LAC for location

LAC Convention: Wednesday, May 24, doors open at 6:30 pm, 7-8:30 pm, Anshe Emet, 3751 N. Broadway

Homeless Youth/Police Relations Task Force: Tuesday, June 6, 7 pm, call LAC for location

Finance Committee: Monday, June 12, 6:30 pm, Bonaventure House

Affordable Housing Task Force: Wednesday, June 21, 6:30 pm, call LAC for location

Health Care Task Force: Tuesday, June 27, 6:30 pm, call LAC for location

Youth/Police Relations Forum: Monday, July 10, doors open 6 pm, forum 6:30-7:30, call LAC for location

Community Council meetings: July 13, September 14, November 9, all from 7-8:30, all at Ruth Shriman House, 4040 N. Sheridan

L.A.C. STAFF:

Jennifer Ritter-Gonzalez
Executive Director
773-549-1947 X364
jenrg@lakeviewaction.org

Alyssa Siegel
Community Organizer
773-549-1947 X385
asiegel@lakeviewaction.org

Linda Slavik
Business Manager
773-549-1947 X365
lslavik@lakeviewaction.org

*********

We’re on the Web!
See us at: www.lakeviewaction.org

IF YOU FEEL THAT IT IS IMPORTANT TO…
-Create a Safe Environment in Lakeview for Homeless Youth,
-Create and Maintain Affordable Housing for our Community Members,
-Ensure that all in our community have access to Affordable Health Care

DONATE TO LAKEVIEW ACTION COALITION NOW!

We need your support NOW to continue to work on all of these issues.
Think locally-support our community and put your values into action!
____$10 ____ $25 ____ $50 ____ $100 ____other

Name:______________________________

Want to get more involved? _____________

Please make checks payable to the Lakeview Action Coalition and send to 3225 N. Sheffield, Chicago, Illinois 60657. THANK YOU!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Action Update—Fall 2005

WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR?
By: Allen Wesolowski

A series of contentious neighborhood meetings, a lawsuit against two local churches and a not-for-profit with a twenty year track record of service, and the appearance of window signs proclaiming SUPPORT OUR NEIGHBORS – NO SPECIAL USE.

What began as an ambitious capital campaign by Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church and the Lincoln Park Community Shelter to renovate and upgrade aging facilities at Pine Grove and Fullerton Avenues has turned into a battle over the heart and soul of Lincoln Park.

The Church and Shelter need a special use permit to continue to offer the Shelter’s overnight transitional housing service. But a small, vocal group of immediate neighbors to Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church, where the majority of the Shelter’s services are located, has engaged in a campaign of misinformation in an effort to defeat the permit and force the Shelter out of its Lincoln Park location. How would the community react?

The spring and summer of 2005 found the Shelter and its supporting churches, Lincoln Park Presbyterian, St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, St. Clement Catholic Church and Episcopal Church of Our Savior, engaged in behind the scene negotiations with its opponents, and without Alderman Vi Daley taking a stand for the Shelter. Fall arrived without a resolution and the special use application was finally set for hearing on October 21st. How would the community react?
LAC, United Power for Action and Justice and leaders of the four churches came together to demonstrate the importance of the Shelter’s presence and work in the Lincoln Park community. We scheduled and promoted a prayer vigil for the Tuesday night before the hearing date. 300 community members filled St. Clement Church as we prayed together, remembered together the positive impact the Shelter has on the lives of our community members, and committed together to support the future of the Shelter in our neighborhood. And then the hearing was postponed until November 18th. How would the community react?

We regrouped and planned for the November hearing date, compiling our supporter lists, circulating reminders of the new date and making phone calls to generate turnout. Just days before the hearing, the Shelter counted 150 supporters planning to attend. On the evening of the hearing, OVER 400 SUPPORTERS FILLED THE FIFTH FLOOR HALLWAYS OF THE COUNTY BUILDING! Days after this show of power Vi Daley stated that she will support the special use permit! But the shelter could still be forced to decrease the people it serves. How will the community act?

The Shelter’s hearing has been continued to December 16th at 4:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at 120 N. LaSalle. Our work is not yet done. Say YES TO LPCS SPECIAL USE! Join us on December 16th.

Becoming a Community that Shelters the Vulnerable Among Us

Many of you have heard about homeless youth in our community over the last year and have responded to the call to act with them to help address the issues they are facing.

At our July Assembly on Homeless Youth and Police Relations, we addressed a crowd of 250, including Sergeant Bill Looney of the 19th district and Alderman Tom Tunney. Youth told stories about being harassed by the police and community members supported their efforts for justice.

That assembly helped us win commitments from the 23rd and 19th district commanders to monthly meetings for us to bring reports of what youth are facing on the street with the police. We have brought them reports of police using foul language, stealing money, being disrespectful, making false stops, and telling young people they would be arrested if they were seen in the neighborhood again. Both commanders have committed to visiting every roll call (when officers gather to report for their shift beginning) and speaking to their officers about these incidents. The goal is that they make clear to all their officers that this sort of behavior will not be tolerated in their district and that they are working with us to address the matter.

At our last meeting we also won a commitment to move forward with the development of local police training. A team of people is now collaborating with the sergeants of the two districts to plan the curriculum for training and we hope to implement it before springtime of 2006.

There is also an important role for other community members. We are working to build a network of non-profits, congregations, and businesses who are working together to address youth homelessness and police misconduct towards homeless and at-risk youth. Through this network of “allies”, we can work together towards our vision for a community where people know each other, look out for each other, and protect one another – even the most vulnerable among us, and where officials are held accountable for their actions.

What does it mean to be a homeless youth ally?
Each congregation, business, or non-profit that decides to become an “ally” would receive a poster stating their solidarity with youth in the community, and their commitment to work to improve services for and stop abuse of homeless youth.

What can you do?
· Bring this idea to other members of your institution;
· Organize an education forum for your institution, coordinating with staff of LAC and our partner service agencies, so that there is a wide breadth of understanding about this issue throughout your membership
· Join other LAC members in this work, through the Homeless Youth and Police Relations Task Force. Call LAC for the next meeting date.

For more information, please contact Alyssa Siegel at Lakeview Action Coalition, (773) 549-1947 x385 or asiegel@lakeviewaction.org

Are you a young adult who cares about Youth Homelessness? Police and Youth Relations?

Financial Aid? Education? Health Care?

1500 Young Adults (ages 16-35) and allies will join together on Sunday, December 11th to launch a Chicagoland organization called PACT (Public Action for Change Today) to fight for the issues that affect us everyday. PACT (formerly known as the Young Adults Organizing Drive) is a sister organization of United Power, of which LAC is a member. PACT leaders have already won back $12 million in financial aid funding, introduced a health care bill they wrote, and helped to end illegal military recruitment in high schools. Guests include more than 20 state and local officials and 50+ civic and business leaders. Governor Blagojevich has now also confirmed his attendance! See PACT’s new website for more information: www.chicagopact.org

Sunday, December 11th
Rockefeller Chapel * 1156 E. 59th St. * Hyde Park * 3:00 sharp-4:15 pm

Contact Alyssa at LAC to RSVP or to find out about free transportation

Mayor Stalls Balanced Development in Chicago

Why is inclusionary zoning creating affordable housing and supporting mixed-income communities in San Francisco, Denver, Boulder, Boston, Burlington, Cambridge, San Diego, Sacramento, Santa Fe and more than 175 other communities – BUT NOT IN CHICAGO?

Mayor Daley is single-handedly preventing the passage of an inclusionary zoning policy in Chicago. A policy that would create thousands of affordable rental and homeownership units every year in neighborhoods across the City of Chicago!

LAC, along with The Balanced Development Coalition (BDC), stands in solidarity with hundreds of Chicago’s largest civic, union and religious institutions and 24 Chicago Aldermen who support an inclusionary zoning policy for Chicago. (Current draft of Chicago’s inclusionary zoning ordinance is stalled in the City’s Housing and Real Estate Committee).

So we have been bringing the issue directly to the Mayor throughout the month of November and into December. Community leaders from BDC have been showing up at Mayor Daley’s events, holding up signs and passing out flyers. The Mayor has noticed, and the media has noticed. Maybe these actions will remind the Mayor that this is a democracy!

For more information, and to join us, contact LAC.

Coalition Begins to Improve/Preserve The Chateau

By: Jessica Goldman

Affordable housing is a scarce and precious commodity in any community. There are about 1,000 Single Room Occupancy (SRO) units in the community, all in varying states of repair and affordability. Many of them are in jeopardy of being lost. Despite the issues associated with this housing, its preservation is essential, as we all seek to have a community that is a place for people of all income levels.

On Monday, November 21 a group of concerned citizens and civic leaders, convened by Anshe Emet Synagogue and LAC, met to discuss the importance of affordable housing, and hear how affordable housing, and SRO's in particular, can rescue people from homelessness.

The more than 40 attendees, which included Alderman Helen Schiller, Sergeant Kujawa of the 23rd Police District, local business owners, residents and representatives from Deborah's Place, Lakefront Supportive Housing and the Lakeview Pantry, were mainly concerned about the less than adequate management practices at the Chateau Hotel building, a large neighborhood SRO located at Grace and Broadway. This lax management has led to safety concerns for all of the community, including the SRO residents. The goal of the leaders at the meeting on November 21st is to work with the Chateau residents to create a safe, well managed building.

Participants in the meeting will be researching good SRO management practices, and reaching out to the tenants in the building, and talking to local businesses and institutions to involve them in this work. If you are interested in participating in this work, please call LAC – 773-549-1947.

LAC Fall Fundraiser a Success!

LAC held its Fall 2005 Fundraiser on October 1, 2005. This was our most successful fundraiser ever! With the money we raised we were able to meet an additional $3,000 Matching Grant from the "Unitarian Universalist Fund for a Just Society" for our work on expanding affordable Health Care.

Thanks to our Fundraising Committee!
Bruce Beal                    Gene Horcher
Merrill Kenna         Casey Lewis Varela
Joe Mellen            Allen Wesolowski

Thanks to the following Donors!
Ann Sather Restaurant
Bonaventure House
Comedysportz
Sue Gries
Jewel-Osco
Laurie and Pierre LeBreton
Neal Mueller
Pastoral
Pizza Capri
Playground Theater
Scholastic Books-Jessica Klein
Curtis Smith
Thousand Waves Spa for Women
Uncommon Ground

A special Thank You also to Louie Meyer, the Weinmeister for our Wine Tasting evening.

And Thanks to all who attended our event, made a donation and/or participated in our Raffle...We appreciate your support!

Getting the Word Out on Charity Care

Did you know that if you are a single individual with an income of $19,141 or less, you are eligible for FREE EMERGENCY CARE at Illinois Masonic Hospital? In fact, if your income is under $9,570, you are eligible for free emergency care at many hospitals!

LAC is working with our partners in the fight for affordable and accessible health care to get the word out on the best kept secret in the health care community – free emergency care for uninsured people at certain income levels. This program is known as charity care, and must be offered by all non-profit hospitals.

Care for All is a program created by LAC and other community based organizations from around Chicago working to educate uninsured people about how to apply for free emergency medical care. People often think they can only access services at Cook County, and Care for All is giving people the tools to go to their local hospitals for emergencies.

LAC’s Health Care Task Force is signing people up for Care for All and helping them navigate the health care system. This is just the first step. The Task Force is also working to make sure the uninsured and underinsured in the community can get the primary care that they need. At this point, that means talking to people to determine what services exist in the community, and what new services are needed. In the future, that may mean fighting for more comprehensive and better health care for community members.

Join us in this fight! To sign up for Care for All, or join the LAC Health Care Task Force, call or email Jennifer Ritter Gonzalez at LAC.

LAC Upcoming Meetings:
        LAC Holiday Party:
         Thursday, December 8, 6:30-8:30 pm, 4040 North Sheridan, potluck
        Lincoln Park Community Shelter Zoning Board of Appeals Hearing:
         Friday, December 16, 4 pm, City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle
        Community Council Meetings for 2006:
         January 12, March 9, May 11, July 13, September 14, November 9, all meetings will begin at 7 pm, Location TBA
        Homeless Youth and Police Relations Task Force:
         Monday, January 9, 7:00 pm, call LAC for location
        Affordable Housing Task Force:
         Wednesday, January 11, 6:30 pm, call LAC for location
        Healthcare Task Force:
         Wednesday, January 25, 6:30 pm, call LAC for location

Welcome to the 2006 LAC Board, elected at the November 10th Community Council Meeting!!!

         Reverend Barb Bolsen, The Night Ministry
         Reverend Liala Beukema, Lakeview Lutheran Church
         Fred Buckley, Belray
         Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove, Anshe Emet Synagogue
         Rev. Greg Dell, Broadway United Methodist
         Reverend Kevin Goodman, The Night Ministry
         Sue Gries, Deborah's Place
         Norm Groetzinger, Counseling Center of Lakeview
         Merrill Kenna, Bonaventure House
         Laurie LeBreton, Individual Caucus
         Casey Lewis Varela, Inter-American Magnet School
         Joe Mellen, Individual Caucus
         Neal Mueller, Northside Housing & Supportive Services
         Carol Small, Belray
         Allen Wesolowski, St. Clement Catholic Church

Thanks to the following outgoing 2005 Board Members:

                            Nick Brunick, St. Clement Catholic Church
                            Reverend Brian Hiortdahl, Resurrection Lutheran Church
                            Reverend Jennifer O’Quill, Second Unitarian Church

*****Thank you to Maria Ortiz for her help as a Computer Mentor through ITRC!*****

IF YOU FEEL THAT IT IS IMPORTANT TO…
-Create a Safe Environment in Lakeview for Homeless Youth,
-Create and Maintain Affordable Housing for our Community Members,
-Help Save the Lincoln Park Shelter, and
-Ensure that all in our community have access to Affordable Health Care

DONATE TO LAKEVIEW ACTION COALITION NOW!

We need your support NOW to continue to work on all of these issues in 2006. Think locally-support our community and put your values into action!

____$10 ____ $25 ____ $50 ____ $100 ____other

Name:______________________________

Want to get more involved? _____________

Please make checks payable to the Lakeview Action Coalition and send to 3225 N. Sheffield, Chicago, Illinois 60657. THANK YOU!

L.A.C. STAFF:

*********

We’re on the Web!
See us at:
www.lakeviewaction.org

Summer 2005 Action Update

Congregations Raise their Voices with Youth

For the past year, Lakeview area homeless and LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning) youth service providers have been sharing their clients’ experiences with other LAC leaders. The situations facing these youth are of great concern to the LAC member organizations.

We have held seven Homeless Youth Education Forums in the past year, to give congregation members and clergy the opportunity to find out about the wide-range of situations homeless youth in our community face each day. Members from Holy Covenant United Methodist Church, St. Alphonsus Church, Broadway United Methodist Church, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Anshe Emet Synagogue, and Resurrection Lutheran Church have learned the difficult reality these youth face as they find ways to survive the streets - healthcare needs, violence, hate crimes, and more.

We have also provided education about the few service options available to these youth and where the gaps in service exist. In July, we will be holding additional forums at Lakeview Presbyterian Church and Wellington Avenue United Church of Christ.

One of the concerns is the relationship between the youth and the police. LAC members have asked youth to share their stories in order to illustrate what is happening in our community daily. Here is one young man’s story, used with his permission:

My name is Charles Smith, and I am a formerly homeless youth. Over the last three years I was harassed by the police in the Lakeview area three times.

I first became homeless when I was 17 when I got kicked out of my parent’s home by my stepmother. I finally found my way to The Night Ministry’s Open Door Homeless Youth Shelter in 2002 when I was 19. My first incident with the police occurred in the summer of 2002, while I was staying at the Open Door Shelter. I heard that there was going to a mini hot-rod auto show at the McDonald’s on Addison in their parking lot. I went up there to take a look. While I was up there looking at the cars, I had an epileptic seizure. Two police officers were there and saw me go into the seizure. They claimed that I intended to destroy property. I don’t remember everything when I have seizures, but when I came to, I was being handcuffed. I tried to tell them that I was epileptic and just had a seizure, but they didn’t listen. They put the handcuffs on me way too tight and my hands hurt really badly. They put me in the back of the police car and I kept telling them that the cuffs were too tight but they just told me to shut up. I then spent 12 hours in the 19^th District’s lock-up at Belmont and Western and they released me at midnight. Eventually, when I went to court, these charges were dropped.

The second time occurred in the Fall of 2003. I had left Open Door by this time to enter a two-year-long subsidized housing program for young adults. I came back to Open Door regularly to receive continuing care services. One time when I came back, I was waiting for my caseworker outside the Open Door Shelter on the sidewalk on Clark Street, when two detectives stopped in front of the shelter. They accused me and another Open Door client of drug dealing. They told us to put our hands on the hood of the unmarked police car while they frisked us. The police told me to open my book bag, which they searched. They found my epilepsy medication in the front pocket of my book bag. They asked me what it was. I told them. Then they asked me again, “What is this pink pill”. I told them it was my Depakoteâ. Then they became interested in my small white pill. I told them it was Phenobarbital. They told me that I was lying and that it had to be cocaine. At that point, my caseworker came outside looking for me. She asked the police why I and the other client had been stopped. The police held up my pill container and told her it was crack. She asked to see it and the police opened the container. She then verified that it was Depakoteâ and Phenobarbital and that she knew it was prescribed medication. The officer was angry and said that it was against the law to carry prescription medication in anything other than its original prescription bottle. She explained that the pills were very large and the bottles they came in were too big to put into a pants pocket. The police eventually accepted this and just gave me a warning. I still wonder if I would have been arrested again if my caseworker would not have come outside at that moment.

The third time occurred in the Spring of 2004. Again I was harassed with a friend for carrying my medication. This time however, I was wearing my medic alert necklace and my prescriptions are named on the necklace. After a brief argument about whether my medications were really my medications the police let me go.

I feel that I have been profiled repeatedly because I am young, male, and homeless and because I have a chronic medical condition. I have never broken the law and I don’t have a criminal record, yet I have been harassed by the police and stopped and searched for no reason.

While we recognize that not all police officers are like those Charles encountered, we have learned that it is more than just one or two individuals and that stories like these continue to occur. LAC leaders have been working with the precincts on these issues, but we need your participation. You might wonder, what can I do about it?

On July 24, the Lakeview community will come together for an assembly and community walk. This is a public way to show homeless youth that we support them as they work to gain stability in their lives. At this event, we will also be continuing our work with police, encouraging them to be a help for these youth, not a hindrance. Through continuing conversations with youth, service providers, congregation members, 19^th and 23^rd District Police Commanders, Alderman Tom Tunney, and others, LAC has identified several possible solutions to improved youth/police relations, which will be announced at the assembly. These solutions include police training on youth issues, accountability measures, and real opportunities for community member involvement. Your presence is vital so that youth do not continue to be isolated, and that our police commanders and legislators know the importance that we place on all members of our community.

ACTION UPDATE
Spring 2005

Since our successful 2004 Convention, we have been busy building our issue task forces and moving smoothly through our staff transitions!

Staff Transitions

As most of you know, Matt Moreland-Gross, our Executive Director of over 3 years, has taken an organizing position at a county wide organization in Madison, Wisconsin. We wish him the best of luck and offer our appreciation of the work he has done at LAC to develop leadership, build the organization, and win concrete improvements for residents of Lakeview, Lincoln Park and North Center. Thanks, Matt, for your leadership!

We are moving on through a smooth transition. We are excited to welcome Jennifer Ritter as our new Executive Director. She will start at the beginning of June. Jennifer comes to us with over 10 years of organizing experience, most recently as lead organizer for the Organization of the NorthEast, an organization with which we have often collaborated. She will bring to LAC maturity, experience, and skill. Welcome Jennifer!

Come meet our new Executive Director at our May Community Council meeting:

May 12^th, 7 pm, at the Ruth Shriman House, 4040 North Sheridan

Action Alert:

United Power for Action and Justice Spring Assembly

Dear LAC members and supporters;

I know that many of you are deeply concerned about issues like: health care for the uninsured, affordable housing, gun violence, and support for immigrants in our community.

On May 1, 2005, United Power for Action and Justice will be bringing together 1500 people of different racial, religious, and economic backgrounds from all over Cook County for an assembly in support of specific action on these issues. United Power for Action and Justice is a dues-paying organization with over 300 institutional members in Cook County which organizes around public issues important to its members. LAC is a member of United Power – one of the 300 plus organizational members throughout Cook County. Through its membership in United Power, LAC can impact issues beyond Lincoln Park and Lakeview.

We have an initial commitment from Governor Rod Blagojevich to attend this event– we will use the event in part to gain his commitment on specific actions for each of these issues and to celebrate significant success on health care that we’ve enjoyed by working with the Governor on Family Care. The Governor has tentatively committed to the event and we are working to finalize his attendance.

Purpose:

1) Ensure the full funding of Family Care – which provides health insurance to the parents and children of working families – Over the past three years, United Power has worked successfully with Gov. Blagojevich to make Illinois the only state in our nation to have expanded health care coverage. If Family Care expansion stays in the budget this year, we will have extended coverage to approximately 400,000 new families.

2) Advance other measures to reform the health care system in Illinois.

3) Pass the Rental Housing Support Program Bill – this legislation, which is currently in the legislature, would raise over $30 million a year to provide rental subsidies to working poor households (those earning less than $20,000 a year). The legislation is based on a successful model here in the city which has a waiting list of landlords wanting to participate in order to provide affordable apartments to working poor families.

4) Address Specific Issues related to Gun Violence and Immigrant/Civil Rights Issues.

We want to show the Governor that there are a lot of voters in Cook County who care about these issues as he negotiates the budget this summer and prepares to run again next year and we want to energize our efforts to address each of these issues. Please join us!

I hope to see many of you there,

Nick Brunick,

Member, St. Clement’s Catholic Church

LAC Board Member

When and Where:

Sunday, May 1^st; 3:30 p.m. - Seating begins; 4:00 p.m. sharp - Assembly begins

At Trinity High School; 7574 W. Division St., River Forest

Directions: Harlem to Division, go west on Division to Lathrop, North on Lathrop ½ block to parking lot

Free Bus transportation from Lakeview will be provided. Call Linda Slavik at LAC to RSVP or for more information.

Issue Updates

Homeless Youth and Police Relations

By Monica Desmond, member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church

At the LAC October Convention, most of you heard for the first time about the work of LAC’s newest task force – Homeless Youth and Police Relations. Our Homeless Youth Task Force is a developing group made up of youth, service providers, congregation members, and partnering community organizations. Since the convention, I have become involved with this new task force, and this is what I have learned:

Over the course of a year, approximately 26,000 youth in Illinois, and between 12,000 and 15,000 in Chicago, experience homelessness. Lakeview has long been a gathering place for many of these youth from around the city and the Midwest.

Youth experiencing homelessness are between the ages of 8 and 21 and have often left home or been forced out of their homes because of serious family problems. Youth often become homeless because of a constellation of family and personal issues that coalesce, making them particularly vulnerable to exploitation and victimization. Pregnant and parenting teens, former and current wards, and youth who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, or questioning (LGBTQ) are a disproportionately high segment of the population. Homeless youth, particularly those with persistent experiences, have difficulty garnering the resources to meet their basic needs, and have a high likelihood of being physically or sexually victimized. They are also particularly susceptible to harmful activities, such as engaging in substance abuse, unprotected sexual activity, and delinquency, in part because of insufficient alternative resources and their consequent survival strategies on the streets.

There are many service agencies that work with youth in the area to meet their basic needs, including some of our members and partners – The Night Ministry, Counseling Center of Lakeview, Center on Halsted, Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, and Chicago Gay Youth. However, available resources for homeless youth do not come close to meeting the need for housing, mental health services, medical care, material and emotional support, and education or employment opportunities. There is a great deal of room for increased community involvement, especially from Lakeview Action Coalition members, who are so dedicated to seeking justice in our community.

Unfortunately, in the past few years, there has been an increasing verbal and physical effort to sweep youth and other people experiencing homelessness out of Lakeview. This climate has led to a heightened amount of scrutiny, harassment and abuse against the homeless, especially homeless youth. In particular, as homeless youth work to create more stable lives, we have seen and heard from youth that their relationship with the police is often a hindrance rather than a boon to success.

In light of this, LAC’s homeless youth task force is working collaboratively with our police commanders, Alderman Tunney, city offices and other legislators to address the issue of how police relate to our community and in particular homeless youth. Our goals include ensuring the safety and human rights of homeless youth and bridging youth to services and resources by building a network of relationships within the community and police department.

Through education forums at congregations, we are building relationships between agencies and congregations and promoting increased awareness and volunteerism. With these community leaders we will build a united group to develop strategies and tactics to work with police to decrease abuse and increase referrals to services. In addition, we are creating a space where a core group of youth can feel empowered to be a part of making change, because they are a part of this larger group.

What you can do to get involved:

· Read the report on homeless youth just released by The Night Ministry and the Center for Impact Research to learn more – find it at www.impactresearch.org (click on publications)

· Sign onto our campaign! Please see LAC’s website for our campaign sign on petition and to find out how you can sign on. This is a tool for us to build support for this work and continue educating people about the issue.

· Volunteer at local non-profits and service agencies to learn more and provide direct service. It’s also a great way to build community - do it with a group of friends or people from your congregation! (Some volunteer opportunities listed on LAC website)

· Host an education forum at your congregation or institution – we’ll provide speakers and you provide the people! Learn more about homeless youth issues in our community and what you can do to help.

I invite you to join me in moving forward with this exciting work! Call LAC or check out the LAC website for more information and to see how you can get involved! (www.lakeviewaction.org)

Affordable Housing

Rienzi Plaza Victory: SCORE TWO FOR THE COMMITTEE!

By Tamara Shaffer, Rienzi Plaza Tenant Association Leader

If you noticed a strong wind on February 24^th here on Chicago’s North Side, it was not a spring storm. It was simply the Section 8 tenants of 600 West Diversey Parkway breathing a sigh of relief. As one of these concerned occupants, I can tell you that we had been waiting to exhale during the transition of our building of residence to new ownership.

Whether new title-holder Jamie Purcell had affordable housing on his agenda was the question, and for the answer, our newly re-formed Rienzi Plaza Tenants Committee went straight to the source. Through the mediating efforts of Alderman Tom Tunney, we obtained a face-to-face meeting with Purcell and happily received his commitment to seek a five-year renewal contract with HUD!

This extension was the second victory for this determined group, the core population of which is subsidized tenants in Rienzi Plaza—now renamed Lincoln Park Plaza—located at the cosmopolitan Lakeview intersection of Clark, Diversey, and Broadway. The original, twenty-year HUD contract expired in 2001, prompting us to form our tenant association. With the support of Lakeview Action Coalition and Jane Addams Senior Caucus, we made our needs and voices heard through petitions, demonstrations, and direct appeals to the previous owners, who signed on for five additional years. That extension expires in December 2006.

Much is at stake. The diverse tenancy at Lincoln Park Plaza occupies 146 of its units that fall under the HUD-funded subsidy program. It includes immigrants, working poor families, senior citizens, and disabled. Some fall into two or more categories; all would face dire circumstances if forced to move.

While preservation of these apartments is now almost certain, the committee will now move on toward smaller but significant battles. Some concern changes instituted by the new owner, including discontinued overnight security and the practice of charging tenants for Fire Department responses. These and other issues are on the roster of our ambitious team, as we work to maintain secure, manageable, and comfortable living for all the deserving members of our building.

Update on Affordable Housing in the 43^rd and 32^nd wards of Chicago:

In the 43^rd ward: Over the last two years 43^rd ward residents and LAC leaders have worked hard to build support here for the Affordable Housing Set-Aside Ordinance. Although Alderman Daley has still not signed on to the ordinance, she has begun to implement a ward policy and the first new units of affordable housing are being developed in the ward. Jane Addams Senior Caucus, a member of LAC, is now taking the lead on continuing to build support in the ward for the city-wide policy, recognizing that seniors are a large constituency in Lincoln Park that the alderman has not yet heard from.

In the 32^nd ward: We are building relationships and support for the set-aside ordinance in Alderman Matlak’s ward through house meetings, trainings on the ordinance, and letters to the Alderman. In March we had our first victory – Alderman Matlak agreed to also implement a ward policy similar to Ald. Tunney and Ald. Daley’s! However, he has still not signed on to the city wide policy. Call Alyssa at LAC to find out what you can do.

Calendar of Events

GET INVOLVED! POWER FADES IF IT IS NOT USED!

United Power Spring Assembly Sunday, May 1^st

3:30 p.m. - Seating begins, 4:00 p.m. sharp - Assembly begins

At Trinity High School, 7574 W. Division St., River Forest

Directions: Harlem to Division, go west on Division to Lathrop, North on Lathrop ½ block to parking lot; Free Bus transportation from Lakeview will be provided. Call Linda Slavik at LAC for more information.

LAC Community Council - Thursday, May 12 at 7 PM at Ruth Shriman House

Come meet our new Executive Director! Plus:

Updates on our issue work and decision making on next steps for the organization
Opportunities for Action around healthcare, housing and homeless youth

Introduction to Organizing: Relationships and Power

Thursday, May 5^th, 6:30-8:30 pm (Call LAC to RSVP and for location info)

Interested in getting more involved in LAC? Do you want to learn how to effectively engage others in social justice work and be able to act effectively? Join us for this one night training!

Contact Alyssa Siegel at LAC for further details about any of these events

THANKS TO OUR DONORS…

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you to all of you who have given your time and energy to making LAC a successful catalyst for social change! If we are going to continue to work for justice, solidarity, and diversity in our community, we also need your financial help.

YES!! I want to give my support to preserve and create affordable housing, improve access to affordable health care, and support homeless youth in our community!

Please make checks payable to Lakeview Action Coalition and mail to 3225 N. Sheffield, Chicago, IL 60657. Thank you!

LAC CONVENTION A HUGE SUCCESS!

Close to 700 community leaders, elected officials and allies attended LAC’s Convention on October 27 at Temple Sholom!

Thanks to all of you who helped to make this event a powerful display of our community’s values of justice, diversity and solidarity.

LAC 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION

Homeless Youth

We raised awareness of a long-ignored problem in our community of homeless youth and police harassment/abuse of them:

We made significant steps towards addressing local healthcare needs identified in LAC’s recent healthcare assessment:

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Rienzi Plaza tenants updated us that their building is in the process of being sold to an unknown owner:

Since the Convention, LAC task forces have been working hard to follow up on the success of our great convention. In the past month we have been busy following up with new leaders, developing strategies for the upcoming year and taking action! If you want to be part of bringing justice to your community and your city in 2005, then you need to do two things now in 2004…

1.) Mark your calendars for the upcoming January 13 Community Council and the Public Life 101 (see details below)

2.) Invite 2 or 3 others from your congregation/institution to attend with you (how about those who attended the Convention with you?)

LAC Community Council

Public Life 101

If you are interested in learning more about homeless youth in East Lakeview and challenging your institution/congregation to do something about it, host a forum! We can help you adapt one that works for you.

32^nd and 43^rd ward residents ask Alderman Matlak and Daley to support housing set asides

If you live in the 32^nd or 43^rd wards, call LAC to find out how you can let your alderman know how important it is that they support affordable housing by signing on to the affordable housing set aside ordinance!

Call Alyssa or Matt for further details about any of these events at 773-549-1947.

Wieboldt Foundation
Chicago Community Trust
Field Foundation
Cudahy Foundation
Unitarian Universalist for a Just Society
OUR MEMBERS!

Thanks so much to Daniel Lee, our incredible computer volunteer from ITRC, who has helped us through computer crashes, spyware infiltration, and with general questions. We really appreciate his time an efforts!

LAC Staff

Lakeview Action Coalition
3225 N. Sheffield
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 549-1947

Matt Moreland-Gross, Executive Director
X364, mgross@lakeviewaction.org

Alyssa Siegel, Community Organizer
X385, asiegel@lakeviewaction.org

Linda Slavik, Business Manager
X365, lslavik@lakeviewaction.org

If you would like to be removed from this list please e-mail Linda Slavik at LAC at lslavik@lakeviewaction.org. Thank you!