For the last 10 years, I have served as an affordable housing operator on the South and West sides of Chicago. With my husband, we operate 14 single-family rentals and small multifamily units primarily located in Austin, Woodlawn, Auburn Gresham and South Shore, which have historically been among the most eviction-prone areas of the city.
We’re proud to say that we have not had to evict a single resident from the properties we manage. Prioritizing empathy and compassion, we work with renters to help overcome the many hurdles they face — including people who have recently returned from prison. Safe housing creates stable communities. That’s why I was excited to learn about Home for Good (HB0624), Illinois legislation that would expand housing and support services for people returning from prison.
If approved, Home for Good would increase rental assistance, allowing more landlords to provide housing for justice-impacted individuals, while also expanding wraparound services to help people find and keep jobs, improve physical and mental health, and develop the tools needed for long-term success.
It would empower landlords to reenvision, reimagine and redefine themselves as essential service providers vital to the strength of our communities. It also makes financial sense. Just like keeping a tenant is more beneficial to the bottom line in the long term, so is ensuring people have the tools needed to avoid the costly cycle of recidivism.
Currently, I have three tenants who were formerly incarcerated, and they all have a different story and different barriers. Their backgrounds may deter some landlords. They may be judged for having spent time in jail. Their credit score may not be stellar. They may have had difficulties holding down a job or previous evictions.
How we overcome these barriers is by giving people chances. That’s what Home for Good is about: a second chance.
I encourage lawmakers to send this measure to the governor’s desk this fall.
— Ashley Thomas, owner-operator, Black Oak Investment Group, Chicago
Open House Chicago a delight
Kudos to the Chicago Architecture Center for the splendid Open House Chicago weekend. What a pleasure to see so many interesting buildings — some in our neighborhood we never knew about and others in neighborhoods that we don’t usually frequent.
It was particularly nice to spend some time in South Side neighborhoods with beautiful tree-lined streets and fine Chicago architecture. We met friendly and interesting people and were particularly impressed with the CAC Teen Ambassadors at the Ebenezer M.B. Church who used architecture to reflect a sense of Chicago past, present and future.
Thanks, CAC, for helping us see the world a bit differently.
— Mike Koetting and Barbara Shaw, Chicago
Appropriate tribute to Ditka
The Oct. 11 letters to the editor section was highlighted by editorial cartoonist Scott Stantis’ depiction of the late Mike Ditka. Stantis nailed it. Ditka was larger than life, and like another well-known Chicagoan, the late Mike Royko, he did not pretend to be anything other than what they both were: hardworking, honest and true to the Chicago mantra of being very, very real.
Both men are profoundly missed, and I would imagine both men would be surprised at just how much they were admired and beloved.
— Madeline M. Spurck, Blue Island
A poor choice in host
What a beautifully written piece by Heidi Stevens on comedian Shane Gillis (“Shane Gillis ‘SNL’ opener misses the mark — and the moment”
More Top Picks Labels Plants
). You’d think after 50 years of practice, “Saturday Night Live” could do a better job picking a host.— David Drake, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Suggestion for opera critic
Bill Chamberlain’s letter (“Critic needed for opera,” Oct. 16) mirrors what I have been thinking ever since John von Rhein’s retirement. The Lyric Opera, Chicago Opera Theater and Haymarket Opera Company deserve to be reviewed by someone with a deep understanding of the classical music genre.
Might I suggest Hannah Edgar? She clearly knows the field, as reflected in her all-too-infrequent reviews of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
— Jeanne Martineau, Chicago
Teens deserve positive coverage
Where are all the columnists who constantly berate today’s teens and emphasize their destructive behavior downtown? If these writers would attend some of the many sports events held all over the city and nearby each week, they would see true teenagers.
There were hundreds of teens competing from 12 high schools in the CSL Conference Cross Country Meet held last Saturday at Niles West High School. It was a joy to see so many teen girls and boys working together and supporting each other. Parents, grandparents and siblings were also there to congratulate the winners and to encourage those who were struggling during the final mile.
Events like these should be getting the headlines, and the teens who participate in them should be congratulated and highlighted — instead of the ones who are out of control.
— Mary Ann McGinley, Wilmette
Editor’s note: The bill number for the Home for Good legislation has been updated from an earlier version.
Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email [email protected].