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Last summer, Mae Whiteside did something that’s highly unusual in the world of non-profits.

"I picked up the phone and called to see if Lawyers' Committee for Better Housing had any openings for board members" she shares. "I needed to get back involved in this fight, because being homeless shaped me into who I am today."

Whiteside's childhood homes included tiny kitchenette studios, rooms with no heat, acquaintances' couches, and even homeless shelters. Her family's journey through homelessness began in 1985 when Mae's older sister turned 18 and financial support for her ended. Mae's mother tried but couldn't get their household income adjusted with the Chicago Housing Authority.

"She met with many pro bono and legal service providers – they couldn’t help, didn’t care," Mae says.

When Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing launched it’s Chicago Evictions data portal last May, a key finding was the number of Chicago tenants being evicted over relatively small amounts of money.

82% of Chicago eviction cases filed in 2010-17 made claims for back rent. In 18%, the rent owed was less than $1,000, and 44% were under $2,500.

In October, LCBH expanded a successful pilot project that provides eligible Chicago renters supportive services, free legal aid, and access to State Homelessness Prevention Funds (the Funds) up to $5,000 for back rent and/or security deposits.

Prior to the pilot, renters summoned to appear in eviction court were not screened for eligibility. Jude Gonzales, Supportive Services Director, and his group of Masters of Social Work interns are leading the effort to change that through our Court-Based Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) program.

In addition to financial assistance, the CERA team works to address underlying issues that led to the eviction filing by providing referrals to job training, financial literacy, and other beneficial programs. If needed, they can help households find replacement housing.

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Did you know that Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing was founded in 1980 by a group of attorneys in the Rogers Park neighborhood to combat deteriorating conditions in multi-family buildings?

As LCBH approaches our 40th anniversary as an organization, we are gathering stories from former and current staff, legal volunteers, and organizational friends.

How have the avenues of pursuing safe, affordable housing for Chicagoans evolved while you’ve been part of LCBH? What were the roadblocks you encountered and key victories achieved? Who was involved in shaping housing justice efforts with you?

Hello!

I'm pleased to share that policy recommendations from LCBH's Chicago Evictions data portal launch event last May have led to several notable results:

• LCBH will be an All Chicago Emergency Fund grantee, allowing the Eviction Diversion Program to expand and keep more renters housed.
• The Chicago Reporter fully endorsed our recommendations.
• Right to Counsel advocacy efforts are taking shape with our community partners.

You'll learn more about each of these when you attend the 39th Annual Bringing Justice Home Fall Networking and Awards event on Monday, November 4. I'm grateful to LCBH's Young Professionals Board for their hard work - this evening is one of my favorites. Get your ticket today and save $10.

An exciting addition this year is our inaugural Sharon L. King Distinguished Alumni Award presentation. So many dedicated individuals do and have done the front line work with individuals facing eviction in Chicago. Learn more about this award and nominate an LCBH "alum" who deserves recognition.