Hope everyone had a lovely summer! It's getting cooler but we can re-live the best of this summer in some of these ATU updates! Read on below for updates on the Fair Tenants Union and a big win in changing CHA policy for all tenants forced to move from "troubled landlords", our fun block party, and upcoming events.

Fair Tenants Union

At the beginning of last month, the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) announced that they would be rolling out a new policy to better support Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) tenants forced to move because of repeated property safety violations. CHA will provide dedicated case managers to support tenants in finding suitable new homes (especially within more desirable neighborhoods), guidance on tenants’ rights, and reimburse up to $1,500 in moving and housing application fees. This is an increase from the $500 in moving fees negotiated last month from CHA. At the moment, this service is only being offered to tenants of Gary Carlson but they plan to roll this out to all eligible tenants next year.

While FTU members are happy to be getting the support they deserve and have demanded for months, especially in a permanent policy that applies to all CHA tenants, CHA's promises are not always upheld. At our last tenant meeting, one tenant recounted how she hadn't been able to speak to her assigned case manager because the case manager's phone went straight to voicemail. One tenant submitted moving receipts three weeks ago and did not get a reply back. Even if reimbursed (which is TBD), the $1,500 covers only a fraction of application fees, move-in fees, and movers.

As we work on getting the last few union members moved into better conditions, we are turning our attention to supporting and organizing the neighbors that remain in Gary Carlson's buildings.

For background: FTU members have been living in unsafe conditions for far too long in notorious slumlord Gary Carlson's buildings - until a fire in one of Carlson's buildings forced the city and CHA to take action. Following years of negligence and unwillingness to enforce their housing inspections, CHA decided to revoke Carlson's contract, forcing dozens of HCV residents to relocate without support.

Here's how you can support:

Sign the petition to CHA to maintain their accountability to their tenants & share the petition with others.
Help us canvass or staff one of our mutual aid/political education tables! No prior experience necessary. Spanish speakers are especially welcome! Reply back to this email to learn more about our canvass hours.

Block Party

We hosted a super fun block party on August 19th in collaboration with APDN (Albany Park Defense Network), Latino Union, OCAD (Organized Communities Against Deportation), and the 33rd Ward. It was great to see everyone who turned out with their family and friends! We grilled, shared flautas, played loteria, jumped in bouncy castles, painted birdhouses, had a water balloon toss, and had not one, not two, but three piñatas!! A lucky few among us won some highly coveted prizes in a raffle, whose proceeds will go to OCAD's mutual aid fund. See below for some photos of the merriment!

Upcoming ATU Events

Our next Asamblea will be at Christ Lutheran Church (3253 W Wilson Ave) on Saturday, September 23rd from 4 to 6 PM.

We'll learn about cooperative housing as an alternate form of community ownership and home building from the folks at UHAB and the Logan Square Cooperative. We'll also have food to enjoy. As always, old and new folks are welcome! You can read the ATU COVID policy here.