Hundreds of affordable homes remain vacant amid Chicago housing crisis: Illinois Answers Project
Illinois Answers Project says CHA is to blame as hundreds of affordable homes remain vacant as Chicago battles housing crisis WLS-TV
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Chicago Housing Crisis: Hundreds of Affordable Homes Remain Vacant
By Ramona Meadors
Saturday, December 9, 2023 3:59PM
Introduction
As a major housing crisis grips the city of Chicago, some people are pointing a finger at the Chicago Housing Authority.
Investigation Findings
An investigation by the Illinois Answers Project and Block Club Chicago found that the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) is sitting on nearly 500 empty homes in its affordable housing program.
In total, the CHA owns about 2,900 scattered-site residences. However, records obtained by the Illinois Answers Project show that one out of every six of these homes is empty.
Impact on Safety
Neighbors who live near these vacant properties express concern for their safety, as the empty homes have become a magnet for crime.
CHA’s Response
CHA officials have repeatedly declined requests to discuss the scattered-site program in an interview with Block Club and the Illinois Answers Project. In a statement, CHA spokesman Matthew Aguilar said that the CHA “is not satisfied with this vacancy rate and has prioritized funding to bring vacant units and buildings back into service.”
Discussion on the Issue
Emeline Posner from the Illinois Answers Project joined ABC7 for a discussion on the issue.
Full Report
You can read the full report at illinoisanswers.org.
Copyright
Copyright © 2023 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
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