Raise the Roof: CHA's Monthly Newsletter Vol 8

CHA NEWSLETTER | AUGUST 2023 | VOLUME 8

ENCUENTRO SQUARE GROUNDBREAKING

Earlier this month, CHA leadership joined partners including Evergreen Real Estate and the City of Chicago for the groundbreaking of Encuentro Square, an 89-unit development along the edge of the 606 Trail in Logan Square. Notably, almost all the apartments in the new development will be family-sized, with two or more bedrooms. The project is expected to be complete by the end of 2024.

“CHA is proud to be a key partner in Encuentro Square, a project that demonstrates what can be accomplished when stakeholders from the public and private sectors join together to ensure affordable housing in rapidly gentrifying communities like Logan Square. Thanks to CHA’s funding support, 55 of the 89 families in these new buildings will have the security of long-term housing stability. With this rental assistance, families who live in Logan Square -- and who love Logan Square -- can remain in this community for years to come,” said CHA CEO Tracey Scott.

RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT:

DEMARION BROWN ONE OF 180 COLLEGE FRESHMEN READY TO TAKE FLIGHT

More than 180 incoming college freshmen celebrated their successes with a giant trunk party at CHA’s 13th annual Take Flight College Send-Off at the United Center.

The event was created to help public housing students and their families defer the out-of-pocket costs that come with headed off to college but aren’t covered by financial aid, including dorm room necessities like linens, towels, lamps and pillows, as well as a brand-new laptop. Take Flight was hosted by CHA’s nonprofit partner Springboard to Success, with support from Molina Healthcare, AT&T and the Chicago Bulls.

One of the students in attendance was Demarion Brown, who will be a freshman at UIC this Fall. As a senior at Johnson College Prep last year, he noticed a bump on his thigh. Before he knew it, he was undergoing tests. Surgery was needed to remove a cancerous tumor. Brown still has a way to go before he gets the all clear from doctors, but he was happy to be at Take Flight. He is interested in entrepreneurship.

“I’m doing ok,” he said. “I’m just waiting to get these surgeries over with. But my summer job helps me stay motivated and humble. And I’m excited to meet new people and make new friends in college.”

Watch Demarion’s story and learn more about the event from ABC-7 here.

MAJOR PROJECT AT EDITH SPURLOCK SAMPSON NEARS COMPLETION

CHA leadership toured the new North Sheffield development, an innovative mixed-income, affordable, multi-generational living and community space in Lincoln Park that is nearing completion. The new 6-story “bridge” building will add 80 new family apartments and is located between the two existing senior buildings that make up the Edith Spurlock Sampson Apartments. As part of the project, 394 apartments in the existing two senior buildings were renovated and an additional 11 units were added.

The renovation of the first senior building and the bridge building are nearing completion. The renovation of the second senior building is expected to be complete by fall 2024.

HOT FUN IN THE SUMMERTIME: CHA SENIOR-PALOOZA

The spotlight might’ve been on “Lollapalooza” this month, but the real fun was at the XS Tennis Center. About 800 seniors attended CHA’s annual Summer Music Festival, which was held on Friday, August 4 this year. The event was hosted celebrity radio personality Ramonski Luv and celebrity DJ Sam Chapman. Seniors also enjoyed a picnic-style lunch, an ice cream truck, a mini-vendor fair, drawings for prizes and dancing.

MAKE THE DIFFERENCE:

CHA LAUNCHES NEW CAREER PORTAL

We are on a mission. Everyday, CHA helps change the lives of children, families and seniors in Chicago. CHA is looking for passionate people to join our team and advance our values of integrity, compassion, consistency and accountability.

Interested in making a difference in Chicago? Consider a career with CHA. This month, we launched our new CHA Careers website. External applicants and internal CHA employees are encouraged to review open positions and apply for open opportunities.

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