Demand More Support and Accountability from CHA for the Fair Tenants Union
dcruz@thecha.org
The members of the Fair Tenants Union (FTU) have been living in unsafe conditions for far too long. Until a fire in one of Carlson's buildings forced the city and CHA to take action. Following years of negligence and unwillingness to enforce their housing inspections, the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) decided to revoke Carlson's contract, leaving dozens of residents having to relocate with no support.
CHA is sitting on $500 million in cash reserves as of January of this year. After being forced to the table by FTU to demand assistance, all they are willing to offer tenants is $500. Many of the tenants fighting to stay and for better conditions are older individuals and have mobility issues. Looking for a new apartment, seeing multiple places, and being rejected due to Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) discrimination from landlords, paying for applications, the process of moving and any move-in fees in terms of time and money are far greater than a measly $500.
Sponsored by
.png){kind=logo}
To:
dcruz@thecha.org
From:
[Your Name]
It is unacceptable the way that these tenants have been mistreated by CHA. Members of the Fair Tenants Union have been told contradictory messages by CHA, and some have not been able to qualify for the meager resources being offered. Tenants that have already moved, or are being given housing options are often miles away from the community they have been living in, and where their support systems are.
FTU demands that CHA provide tenants with reasonable options and support for relocation or to a safer unit in the neighborhood. This includes providing financial assistance, case management, and access to safe housing options.
You have the power to offer these tenants more support. They have a community of people behind them, and we will not stop until every tenant is in stable and safe units in their community.