LAC’s housing work revolves around preserving the affordable units that we have in Lakeview and creating more affordable units when there is the opportunity to do so.  Our focus lies in the following areas:

Preservation of Section 8 buildings: 

 LAC organizes tenants in Section 8 buildings that are at risk of converting to market rate so that the tenants can, together, preserve their housing as affordable.  Last year, LAC worked with the Jane Addams Senior Caucus to re-organize the Tenant Association at Lincoln Park Plaza (formerly Rienzi Plaza), and win a 5-year contract renewal at their building.  LAC is also working with the tenants of 510 West Belmont, a 277 unit section 8 building, to help them preserve their affordability when the contract expires in 2010.

City-wide Section 8 Coalition:

LAC participates in a coalition of organizations that work with Section 8 tenants to preserve and improve their housing.  Working together allows us to support each other as Section 8 tenants and Section 8 tenant organizers in a way that isn’t possible on just the local level.  Recently, we have worked together for an increase in the Federal Budget for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) which was cutting money necessary to maintain the Section 8 program. 

Preservation of Single Room Occupancy Hotels: 

LAC leaders have been working to draft an ordinance that would lead to the preservation of these buildings, which are often the final safety net before homelessness.  There are about 1000 SRO units in the Lakeview area.  99 of those units are in the Diplomat Hotel, which LAC is working to preserve, as the current owner attempts to sell.  Tenants at the Lakeview YMCA, another SRO, are working with LAC to organize so they can communicate more effectively with their management and can ensure the long term stability of the building. 

Implementation of the Affordable Requirements Ordinance: 

In 2007, LAC worked with the Balanced Development Coalition to pass the Affordable Requirements Ordinance, which requires many developers in the city to set aside 10% of their units for affordable housing.  LAC is working to make sure that this new law is followed, and looking for opportunities to gain even more affordable units.  More information on the Balanced Development Campaign here.

Illinois Capital Budget: 

LAC has been working with other members of United Power for Action and Justice to win a first in the State of Illinois – the inclusion of Affordable Housing in the state’s Capital Budget.  We have been asking for a commitment of $100 million per year for 5 years, which would provide funding for many of the projects we have already listed.  At this point, the Governor, the Speaker of the House, the President of the Senate and all of our State Representatives support this proposal, now they need to agree to pass a Capital Budget. 

Housing Archives

The Housing Task Force meets on a monthly basis. If you are interested in getting involved, contact Mary at (773) 549-1947 x385 or mtarullo@lakeviewaction.org.

(Last updated: 02/2008)