Raise the Roof: CHA's Monthly Newsletter February 2024

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CHA NEWSLETTER | FEBRUARY 2024

DEVELOPMENT UPDATE: FIRST RESIDENTIAL BUILDING AT OGDEN COMMONS NEARS COMPLETION

Construction is wrapping up on the first residential phase of Ogden Commons, located on the site of the former Lawndale Complex in the North Lawndale community. The four-story building includes 92 apartments - 37 CHA-subsidized, 46 affordable and nine market-rate. Work is expected to be completed this spring.

In 2021, a 52,000-square foot commercial building opened at the site, featuring an urgent care clinic, bank, restaurant and coffee shop. In summer 2023, CHA’s Board approved funding for the second residential phase at the development, which will add an additional 75 apartments, including 30 CHA, 27 affordable and 18 market-rate. Groundbreaking for the next phase is expected by the end of 2024.

When fully completed, the development will include approximately 300 apartments.

RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT:

LAUNDRY IMPROVEMENTS MAKE LIFE BETTER FOR SENIOR RESIDENTS

Over the past twelve months, CHA has been making major improvements to laundry facilities across its senior portfolio. New commercial grade washers and dryers were added, as was new flooring, lighting and paint.

CHA’s Board of Commissioners also approved a new initiative to provide all residents at senior buildings with prepaid laundry cards, allowing them to access these services at no cost. The system is launching in 2024 and will allow CHA to better monitor and address service issues in its facilities.

On senior resident recently praised his experience with the new laundry facilities. When he moved into Patrick Sullivan Apartments several years ago, conditions in the laundry rooms were sometimes sporadic. At any given time, a washer could be out-of-service on one floor, or a dryer could be broken on another. He said it could be an inconvenience.

“It’s amazing for two primary reasons. First, these facilities are in place and it didn’t cost us anything at all,” he said. “And two, it’s high-end equipment that we can rely on. We’re getting a good wash out of these machines. I’m a happy camper!”

FCC COMMISSIONER GEOFFREY STARKS VISITS CHA RESIDENTS AND STAFF

Last week, FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks visited CHA residents and staff to hear more about the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a federal program which offers discounted internet service to eligible households. In 2023, CHA held nearly 75 events to enroll families in the ACP. That outreach resulted in approximately 1,800 new households enrolling in the program.

Lincoln Perry resident Jerry Hunter shared his experience: “I got my first computer in August and I just finished a 5-week computer program through AARP...Because I have a computer and wifi in my own apartment, I could access the class through Zoom…I just recently reapplied for my health benefits. You’re getting tons of phone calls during the open enrollment period, but a lot of that has to be done online. This is a very needed program.”

Starks visited CHA as part of a nationwide tour to highlight the benefits of the ACP. Funding for the program is expiring this winter and the FCC is no longer accepting applications for new enrollment. After the ACP funds run out (projected in April 2024) households participating in the program will no longer receive the discounts. CHA joins other affordable housing providers nationwide in strongly encouraging Congress to extend funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program.

ALDRIDGE ELEMENTARY STUDENTS SHARE THEIR VISION FOR

THE FUTURE OF ALTGELD GARDENS

Students at Aldridge Elementary School laid out their vision for the future of Altgeld Gardens as they presented the results of their two-year project to leaders form CTA and CHA, as well as other city officials, at the Altgeld Gardens Library and Family Resource Center.

The project was part of the planning efforts around the future CTA Red Line extension. Students presented a 3D model that included a grocery store, a new recreation center, public art near the planned new station, and a museum to honor famed Altgeld environmentalist Hazel Johnson.

It was the culmination of more than two years of collaboration between Aldridge teachers and the Field Museum.

Jesse White served as the 37th Secretary of State of Illinois from 1999-2023, the longest serving person to hold the office. Raised in Chicago, White attended Alabama State University on a sports scholarship, playing both baseball and basketball. He was a minor league baseball player in the 1950s and 60s. While there, he got to know then local minister named Martin Luther King Jr. Later, he served on the 101st Airborne Division of the United States Army.

White is also known locally a mentor, coach and strong supporter of public housing residents, especially in the Cabrini neighborhood where the Jesse White Park and Community Center now stands. In 1959, he founded the Jesse White Tumblers, a team of acrobats that performs all over the nation, including NBA, NFL and Major League Baseball games. Since its inception, more than 18,500 young men and women have performed on the team.

Throughout the month of February, CHA has reflected on Black History Month on its social media accounts by honoring the contributions, achievements of Black individuals with a connection to CHA, including Richard Hunt, Minnie Riperton and Muhammad Ali. To read all of the posts, follow CHA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube through the links at the bottom of this email.

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