Raise the Roof: CHA's Monthly Newsletter December 2024

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CHA NEWSLETTER | DECEMBER 2024

Dear Partner:

As we head into this holiday season, I want to take a moment to acknowledge and thank you for all that you do to support the mission of the Chicago Housing Authority.

Having served as Chairperson of CHA’s Board of Commissioners for the past five years, and as the agency’s Interim CEO for the past two months, I know the value of working with partners who share similar commitments to creating and sustaining strong communities and helping people reach their greatest heights. I have also seen first-hand the fine work you do each day in providing housing and vital services to Chicagoans. For that, I am grateful.

CHA accomplished so much in 2024 – including delivering hundreds of new homes for residents, expanding our new Down Payment Assistance program, and launching a new website, customer experience call center and redesigned waitlist portal – among many other things. You are the reason we are able to do so much good, and why I am so excited for the future at CHA.

On behalf of myself and the Board of Commissioners, I want to thank you for being a partner today and every day.

All my best for a very happy and healthy holiday season,

Angela Hurlock

Interim Chief Executive Officer

NBC-5 ANCHOR EVROD CASSIMY

RAISES MORE THAN $16,000

TO SUPPORT CHA FAMILIES

The holidays are a time for joy, generosity, and community—and this season, NBC Chicago's Evrod Cassimy is spreading holiday cheer in a remarkable way.

For the second year in a row, Evrod has partnered with CHA to make the season brighter for families in need, combining the magic of music and giving to inspire others to make a difference. Evrod's latest Christmas album, “Standing on Christmas," combines festive tunes and a powerful spirit of generosity. Proceeds from the album are going directly to support CHA residents.

In addition to the album, Evrod and NBC5 surprised five CHA families with a $500 Target gift card this holiday season. These heartwarming surprise moments aired on NBC5 for five consecutive days from Dec. 16 - 20.

This incredible partnership is about more than gifts; it's about uplifting families, inspiring hope, and celebrating the true spirit of the holidays. Thank you, Evrod and NBC5, for your generosity, creativity, and dedication to supporting CHA families.

Watch the wrap-up segment here, view the full list of segments, or download the album on Spotify, Apple Music, or wherever you get your music.

CHA SENIORS CELEBRATE THE SEASON IN STYLE AT THE SENIOR GALA

More than 1,500 seniors had a “Funky Good Time” at the Hyatt Regency during the 41st annual CHA Senior Gala on Saturday, December 14. Seniors enjoyed lunch and danced to music from singer Terisa Griffin and DJ Cisco.

Watch the Senior Gala video.

DEVELOPMENT UPDATE:

PARKSIDE V CLOSES

This month, CHA and our partners at Holsten Real Estate Development & Management Corporation and the Cabrini Green LAC Community Development Corporation closed on Parkside Phase V, a 99-unit mixed-income project in the Near North area. This is the final phase of the Parkside of Old Town development and will fulfill CHA’s unit commitment for the area under the Master Development Agreement.

The future development will include an 8-story elevator building (69 units) and three, 3-story walk-up buildings (30 units). The project will add 37 CHA public housing replacement units, 28 affordable housing units, and 34 market-rate units. The unit mix includes studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and four-bedroom units. The buildings will provide CHA replacement housing to former Cabrini Green residents who have a right to return, affordable units at 50% and 60% AMI levels, and market-rate units in a mixed-income setting. It will also offer on-site social services to residents and include a dog park and playground available for community use.

The buildings are expected to be complete by the end of 2026.

CABRINI NOW PLANNING EFFORT CONTINUES

Nearly 120 Cabrini community members, including more than 20 CHA residents, joined us on December 11 for the third Cabrini NOW planning and design process community conversation.

After several months of working together with residents and other stakeholders, CHA and our consultant team created a draft redevelopment plan for CHA-owned sites in the Cabrini area. At the third and final community event, CHA gathered another round of feedback before we start to finalize the plan and continue implementing the final phases of redevelopment in Cabrini.

There will be more opportunities for input on Cabrini NOW and site-specific redevelopment efforts, so please check out our website to access the presentation materials and recording, learn more, share your views and sign-up for updates!

The buildings are expected o be complete by the end of 2026.

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