Action Assembly Set to Focus on Affordable Housing, Health Care, Environmental Justice and Other Community Needs

Over 700 residents of the Lakeview, Lincoln Park, and North Center neighborhoods will gather on event will take place at Temple Sholom located at 3480 N. Lake Shore Drive (between Cornelia and Stratford streets) at 7:00 pm. This annual gathering provides an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of the Lakeview Action Coalition (LAC) and to spotlight the critical issues and needs facing community residents and stake holders.

LAC has secured confirmations from government and business leaders who will be in attendance at the assembly to hear from residents and to show support for various measures which will impact the needs of residents. Those to be present include: Representative Feigenholtz (IL 12th), Aldermen Tunney, Schulter and Shiller (44th, 47th and 46th Wards, respectively), Ric Estrada of the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services, Deputy Superintendent Brust and 19th District Commander Kenny from the Chicago Police Department and Weiss Hospital CEO Frank Molinaro.

At the Action Assembly, LAC aims to make progress on affordable housing by bringing together Section 8 residents, neighbors who want to see more diversity in their neighborhood and decision-makers to highlight the need to preserve old and create new affordable housing. Alderman Burnett will also be present to speak about his Sweet Home Chicago Ordinance, which will make 20% of all Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds available for affordable housing.

Community residents need better access healthcare and LAC is working to bring that about through partnering with local hospitals and doctors to bring a health center to the neighborhood. Additionally, they will ask state legislators to work with them on a charity care solution that meets the needs of all stakeholders.

Too often residents fighting for affordable housing and healthcare lack the resources to invest in weatherization and other green programs that can save money and better the environment. LAC is promoting a more streamlined process for low-income buildings to receive federally funded stimulus money allocated for large-scale weatherization projects.

Founded in 1993, LAC is a non-profit, multi-issue community organization that fights for justice, solidarity and diversity. The Coalition is comprised of 43 institutional members, including religious congregations, non-profit agencies, banks, business associations, a credit union and a senior citizens caucus. These diverse institutions are stakeholders in the Chicago communities of Lakeview, Lincoln Park and North Center.

Since it’s founding, LAC has steadily and consistently brought about changes that promotes justice for the underserved residents in the community. Some prominent accomplishments include bringing Marah’s Place (a women’s transitional housing program) to Lakeview along with support for the preservation of the Lincoln Park Community Shelter and renewing Section 8 affordable housing contracts at Lincoln Park Plaza and Webster House.

For more information, visit the Lakeview Action Coalition website.