Raise the Roof: CHA's Monthly Newsletter Vol 9

CHA NEWSLETTER | VOLUME 9

2023 CHA SUMMER YOUTH

EMPLOYMENT SUCCESSES

The Chicago Housing Authority's Summer Youth Employment program set new records in 2023.

From June through August:

2,272 youth and emerging adults worked 160,000 hours, earning $2.9 million in wages

78% reported increased confidence and 79% reported new or improved skills

65% said that they opened a bank account to help them with saving

187 CHA students were awarded $2000 college scholarships for Fall 2023

Participants said:

“It has kept me alive, mannered, and [goal-oriented] to always do better… and fulfill my purpose in life.” – Program participant

“Everything worked great... He felt like he was part of a team and he's optimistic that he can become something after high school. This is what every caregiver wants for their teenager. Thank you for your help!” – Program participant relative

RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT:

ALTGELD GARDENS RESIDENT NAMED TO THE MAYOR'S YOUTH COMMISSION

CHA resident Molly Wilson was recently named to the 5^th cohort of the Mayor’s Youth Commission. The Youth Commission meets monthly to give their input on youth-related City projects and policy. Youth Commissioners are between the ages of 14-19 and were selected through a rigorous application process which saw a record number of applicants from across the city. More than 140 CHA residents applied to be part of the Commission. The 2023-24 cohort is the largest cohort in the Youth Commission’s history.

"I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to be a part of change in Chicago and make a positive impact from within," Wilson said.

"My administration will always center the voices and lived experiences of Chicago's youth in order to create an agenda that reflects their priorities and passions," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "The expanded Youth Commission, now in its fifth cohort, is an important avenue to engage with youth and

provide an opportunity for our future leaders to weigh in on decisions that impact them."

CHA JOINS MAYOR JOHNSON FOR THE DEDICATION OF THE PEDRO CAMPOS ALBIZU APARTMENTS IN HUMBOLDT PARK

Last month, CHA CEO Tracey Scott joined Mayor Brandon Johnson, Alderperson Jesse Fuentes and the Hispanic Housing Development Corporation for the dedication of the Pedro Albizu Campos Apartments in Humboldt Park. CHA is providing Project Based Vouchers for 31 of the 64 apartments in the building, which is equivalent to more than $22 million in direct support over the next 20 years. The building is approximately 60% complete.

“Thanks to CHA’s this rental assistance, families who live in Humboldt Park – and who love Humboldt Park – can remain in this vibrant, multicultural neighborhood for years to come,” said CEO Scott.

WASHINGTON UPDATE:

CHA URGES CONGRESS TO INCREASE FUNDING FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING

CHA leadership recently sent a letter to Chicago’s Congressional delegation urging them to advocate for prioritizing rental assistance for all who currently receive it and continuing critical investments in affordable housing development.

Excerpt from the letter:

“We simply do not get enough federal funding to meet the affordable housing demands of Chicago’s low-income families. Proposals to slash HUD’s federal housing programs coincide with a critical shortage of affordable housing and rapidly rising rental rates in Chicago and other urban areas that outpace the national average. The proposed cuts also land as inflation coupled with growing construction costs present staggering challenges to affordable housing development stakeholders. Reduced federal housing funding would leave even more low-income families without stable homes and hamper ongoing development plans where CHA and other PHAs are leveraging federal dollars along with all available tools to deliver more units. Additionally, the ongoing migrant crisis has increased focus on the lack of affordable housing within Chicago.”

Read the full letter here.

CHA SUMMER RECAP VIDEO

From groundbreakings and ribbon-cuttings to youth programs and senior celebrations, CHA’s 2023 summer was a resounding success. Watch the recap video here.

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