Chicago City Wire

Illinois State Senate District 13 issued the following announcement on April 16.

The month of April has been designated as Fair Housing Month this year. In recognition, State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) is encouraging people seek help from the many housing resources that are available.

“In general, lack of proper housing is a serious, life-threatening issue that many people in our community face every day,” Peters said. “It’s even worse now that we’re in the midst of a global pandemic and have recommendations from health agencies all across the state, country and world that the safest course of action is to stay inside your homes. Lots of folks don’t have homes they can isolate in, but there are resources available to help people.”

Peters outlined several different options for assistance available, including:

-An expansion of alternative housing in communities of color, announced over the weekend by Gov. JB Pritzker. It requires local jurisdictions to prepare alternative housing options for residents who tested positive for COVID-19 but do not require hospital-level care so they have a place to safely quarantine.

-Community Service Centers that provide assistance to families in need, including shelter, food and clothing.

-Homeless shelters that will offer a place to stay to people who don’t have a place to sleep or safely social distance.

-Rental assistance available to people who’ve lost their source of income to help make rent payments during the crisis.

-Domestic violence resources for people who do not feel safe in their homes but believe they have nowhere else to go.

-An expansion of tenant rights, including a moratorium on foreclosures and evictions, for the duration of the crisis.

“It’s unfortunate this year’s Fair Housing Month just happened to coincide with an outbreak of a dangerous virus,” Peters said. “Currently, our main focus must be on providing coronavirus-related help to anyone that needs it. Ensuring fair housing for everyone during a time when staying at home is nearly universally recommended is a key part of that.”

Original source can be found here.