Raise the Roof: CHA's Monthly Newsletter Holiday Edition

CHA NEWSLETTER | VOLUME 12

Dear Partner:

As 2023 draws to a close and we prepare for another new year, I’m reminded of a lesson from the classic holiday film, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” While George Bailey’s life and work has a great impact on his community, he loses sight of it through all the ups and downs of his day-to-day life. It takes another person (or, as in George’s case, an angel) to show him just how much difference he is making.

For me, that person was Shanell Davis, a CHA resident who spoke at an event hosted by NBC-5 anchor Evrod Cassimy earlier this month. Ms. Davis loves her home and her life. And her son is going to college with CHA's support.

“We have been through a lot and we just love, love our neighborhood….My kids would not have a future if it wasn’t for CHA because they provided my child with resources to put him through college...I did not see that at all before I met these people and I just want to thank them so much,” she said.

CHA cannot do it alone. We need you, our valued partners, and we are so grateful for your commitment to our shared vision, and for all that we have accomplished together over this past year.

On behalf of the staff, and the Board of Commissioners of the Chicago Housing Authority, I want to wish you a very happy holiday season. As you enjoy the holidays with your loved ones, know that your work is making a difference to thousands of Chicago residents like Ms. Davis and her family.

We look forward to making an even greater impact together in 2024.

Tracey Scott

Chief Executive Officer

Chicago Housing Authority

WATCH SHANELL DAVIS' FULL REMARKS

LOOKING AHEAD:

CHA BOARD APPROVES 2024 BUDGET

CHA’s Board of Commissioners approved the agency’s 2024 budget at a special Board Meeting held in December.

“As a mission-driven organization dedicated to creating and preserving affordable housing to help families achieve economic power, CHA’s annual operating budget is more than just a financial document – it is a reflection of our values,” CHA CEO Tracey Scott said. “From new mixed-income housing for seniors, veterans and families to rehabbed apartments across Chicago, CHA is building stronger communities, more resilient families and a better foundation for the future of all Chicagoans.”

Major 2024 strategic goals for CHA include:

Renovate and rehabilitate vacant buildings in the small and medium-sized apartments portfolio through the Restore Home initiative, which will bring more than 175 vacant units back into leasable condition in the next twelve to eighteen months.

Deliver over 1,000 units of mixed-income housing through a combination of new construction and project-based voucher units.

Focus on helping residents with stability and quality of life; academic achievement; and economic power through programs such as career development; summer job and educational opportunities; afterschool activities and scholarships; and expanded Golden Diner free meal program for seniors.

Implement multiple improvements to customer service including a new website and a new customer experience/call center to provide streamlined access for residents, participants and members of the public.

View the CHA FY2024 Budget here.

55 NEW CHA VOUCHERS WILL HOUSE HOMELESS OR AT-RISK YOUTH AND FAMILIES

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Great Lakes Regional Administrator Diane M. Shelley visited CHA headquarters to present a grant of nearly $800,000 for 55 additional vouchers to help youth and families in Chicago. The vouchers are intended for youth with a history of foster care involvement who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and families whose lack of adequate housing is the primary reason their children are in foster care.

The funding, offered through HUD's Family Unification Program (FUP) will provide vouchers to youth and families to find housing and will help strengthen coordination among public housing authorities, public child welfare agencies, and Continuums of Care and increase access to supportive services for those who need them.

“We are creating opportunities for the most vulnerable families who are facing separation due to the lack of housing and youth leaving foster care. Both groups deserve decent and safe housing,” Shelley said. “Through our collaboration and teamwork with PHA’s like Chicago Housing Authority, these families and youth will have a better future, one that is promising because they will have a stable home.”

GRACE MANOR TO ADD 65 NEW AFFORDABLE HOMES TO NORTH LAWNDALE

CHA leaders joined Mayor Johnson and other non-profit and government partners for the official groundbreaking for Grace Manor. A new affordable housing development at Ogden and Homan, Grace Manor is expected to open in 2025. Nineteen of the development's 65 units are supported by CHA.

"With CHA’s investment, made possible by HUD’s innovative RAD program, Grace Manor will add 65 new homes to the North Lawndale community," said CHA CEO Tracey Scott. "This is another example of CHA fulfilling its mission by creating and sustaining affordable housing opportunities throughout Chicago. And it demonstrates what can be accomplished when community stakeholders from the public and private sectors join together to ensure affordable housing is made a priority."

NBC-5 ANCHOR SUPPORTS CHA RESIDENTS WITH HIS HOLIDAY SINGLE

CHA’s non-profit partner Springboard to Success (S2S) was the recipient of an extremely generous act of kindness from NBC-5 weekend anchor Evrod Cassimy.

Cassimy donated all proceeds from the sale of his new single “Please Come Home for Christmas” to S2S, which supports CHA residents and youth all year long. Cassimy became introduced to the work of CHA after serving as the emcee for the S2S/Daisy Foundation annual Mother's Day makeover event.

He presented S2S with a check for nearly $8,000 during an event held in December.

CHA HOSTS SUCCESSFUL SENIOR GALA

More then 1,500 Chicago seniors celebrated the holidays in style at the annual CHA Senior Gala, held at the Hyatt Chicago on December 9. Entertainment was provided by singer Terisa Griffin and DJ Cisco. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson was on hand to provide welcoming remarks and wish all the attendees a happy and healthy holiday season.

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