What does housing justice in Chicago look like? Chicago is a city whose history reveals the many failures of housing policy in the United States. From the violence of redlining to the isolation and later demolition of public housing, our city has long been at the forefront of some of our most painful housing decisions.
At the same time, everyday Chicagoans are known for their determination and commitment to improving their lives and the lives of their communities. Through organizing, direct action, and policy change, we can remake the city to serve the needs of all of its residents, not just those with enough money to buy a seat at the table. The Chicago Housing Justice Coalition is committed to furthering the many legacies of organizing for transformative change, tackling the many challenges we've inherited as organizers. Email [email protected] to learn more. |
Just Cause for EvictionOur current flagship campaign is Just Cause for Eviction, a transformative policy that would prevent the unjust displacement of at least 10,000 Chicago families each year.
|
Learn more about our coalition members
The Chicago Housing Justice Coalition only exists thanks to the strength of its membership. See our full membership list on our members page, and learn more about a few of our organizations below.
Communities United
CU serves communities across the city, from Albany Park to Roseland and Austin, and promotes affordable housing preservation, tenant education, and community healing, building grassroots power amongst everyday Chicagoans.
|
Autonomous Tenants Union
ATU uses direct action to fight for tenants in Albany Park. Responding to the increase in no-fault evictions against the neighborhood's large immigrant population, they've kept countless neighbors housed while building a base of dedicated members.
|
Working Family SolidarityWFS fights for low-wage workers, especially the undocumented and Spanish-speaking. Recognizing the fight for housing and worker's protections as connected, WFS is dedicated to a combined struggle against all forms of discrimination that its members face.
|
Coalition Updates
Stay up to date with the Coalition activities and read old posts on our blog!
Housing is a Human Right Pledge
With the Housing is a Human Right Pledge, the Chicago Housing Justice Coalition aims to bring some of the most pressing housing policies into conversation with one another. Emphasizing both ongoing housing justice campaigns in the city, as well as potential new policies that organizers, policymakers, and politicians might embrace, the pledge will inform the Coalition's ongoing advocacy, and will help make the case for more durable improvements for working-class people seeking a place to live in our city.
Housing Resources
Lawyers' Committee for Better Housing Intake Hotline: (312) 347-7600 (available M-F 9 am-5 pm)
LCBH Rentervention: Rentervention.com (automated system that can help create legal files, discuss options for services, and more)
Metropolitan Tenants Organization hotline: (773) 292-4988 (available M-F 1 pm-5 pm)
Illinois rental assistance programs: https://www.illinoisrentalassistance.com/providers
LCBH Rentervention: Rentervention.com (automated system that can help create legal files, discuss options for services, and more)
Metropolitan Tenants Organization hotline: (773) 292-4988 (available M-F 1 pm-5 pm)
Illinois rental assistance programs: https://www.illinoisrentalassistance.com/providers
About Us
The Chicago Housing Justice Coalition is a coalition of grassroots organizing fighting for housing justice in Chicago. Focusing primarily on the city's renters, especially those experiencing housing discrimination due to race, gender, immigration status, disability, and other forms of marginalization, we are fighting for systemic policy changes that would level the playing field and make the city a safe, happy and healthy place for all to live.