Reclaiming Chicago

Reclaiming Chicago

United Power for Action and Justice, Metro IAF Affiliates

• Began with Reclaiming Southwest Chicago. 
• In 2019, began to expand the effort to the west side. 
• The goal:  Rebuild, Reclaim and Repopulate the City of Chicago for and with everyday working people and working-class families.  Build and rehab over 2000 new homes on the South and West Sides.
• Secured $215 million in the state capital budget funds for affordable housing; $15 million directly allocated to Reclaiming Southwest Chicago and Reclaiming North Lawndale
• 1251 people met with newly elected Mayor Lightfoot.  Won commitment to work on Reclaiming Communities. 
• Currently seeking city and state commitments for three key geographies in Chicago: Chicago Lawn and Back of the Yards on the southwest side and North Lawndale on the west side

Crain's Chicago Business: Affordable housing is the key to ending gun violence. It's worked elsewhere.