Who we are
The Chicago Housing Justice League is a coalition of member-led organizations that organize around housing and racial justice. We are committed to challenging existing housing policies that negatively impact Chicago neighborhoods, particularly low-income Black and Latinx communities. Recognizing the urgent nature of our work, particularly in addressing the long-term health and housing consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are committed towards building power amongst the working class, understanding that the necessary housing reforms our city needs will not be handed down to us from above, but must be fought for at every turn.
Our history
The Justice League first convened in January 2018, when the city began work on its 5-Year Housing Plan for 2019-2023. Recognizing significant shortfalls in programming and funding on the city’s part, the Justice League worked together to set goals for the direction of the city’s long-term thinking about housing. After submitting recommendations for that plan, the League continued to convene to further pressure the city to carry out its stated housing goals. Since 2020, the League has focused its attention on the passage of Just Cause for Eviction, a keystone housing policy that would help ensure housing stability by reducing the thousands of unjust and unnecessary terminations and evictions carried out in Chicago each year and take an important step to realizing “housing as a human right.” The organization is also working towards defining a racial equity framework for its future organizing work, understanding the need for a thorough analysis of racial impact in every action we take, to best ensure our work is as effective and transformative as possible.
Mission statement
The City of Chicago Is Responsible for Implementing Housing Strategies, Policies, and Procedures to Ensure:
- Everyone has access to safe, healthy, accessible, and affordable housing, regardless of where they live.
- New investment does not lead to displacement.
- Development is driven through democratic process, by and for the community.
- Low-income households have increased access to affordable housing options near public transit, jobs, parks, healthy food options, health clinics, and good public schools.
- No households, after paying housing costs, including utilities, shall be cost-burdened.
- Housing policies are viewed through a racial equity lens.
- Housing is created and maintained in a way that is ecologically sustainable.
- Housing is preserved or created for families and traditionally marginalized communities, including but not limited to: people with disabilities, immigrants, indigenous peoples, homeless and low-income residents, seniors, veterans, people of color, reentering citizens, gender non-conforming individuals, and LGBTQ persons.
- Tenants and residents are guaranteed the right to organize.
- There shall be recognition and rectification of historical injustice.
- There shall be inclusively honoring and valuing culture, art, food, language and other components of communities.