11 THENETWDRK BUIL DE !l----T-he_c_hi_ca_.g._o_R_e_h_ab_N_e_t_w_or_k..;.N..;e...;w.;.;sl;.;.et.;..;.te;.;.r Issue No. 8 July/ August 1986 The goal - resident control First citywide training successful

by Joan Pearson chant went on, and after about a dozen increasingly outrageous phrases The west side meeting center was (something about an orangutang?), the packed and the air charged with an­ entire circle was at least laughing, if not ticipation as residents from nine "energized." neighborhood housing developments The workshop topics chosen for the gathered on May 31 for the first city­ day were intended to address certain wide tenant training session. conceptual issues related to tenant man­ This diverse group of people, repre­ agement and cooperatives, as well as to senting an equally diverse range of low help participants gain or improve and moderate income housing specific organizational skills. One ses­ developments, came together for train­ sion looked at the various relationships ing that might support and strengthen between tenant associations and man­ their own organization's purposes. The agement, and attempted to help resi­ common denominator between each de­ dents clarify the division of roles and velopment was a commitment to some authority within their own develop­ form of resident-controlled manage­ ment. Other sessions focused on some ment, whether in a community-based of the tools needed to run meetings ef­ nonprofit, in public housing, or in a fectively, and to organize productive cooperatively owned building. committees. Any initial shyness that may have ex­ tute had everyone stand, join hands and So who were the experts with the val­ isted in this room full of strangers was repeat, "I feel good today, I feel so uable information and brilliant solu­ quickly dissolved when trainer George energized! No longer polarized. Coop­ tions? Everyone present. The training Arrington of The Neighborhood lnsti- erative housing is on the rise!'' The (continued on page JO) SPOTLIGHT Voice saves Uptown SRO Editor's note: The Moreland Hotel is the Moreland Hotel had spread like a been here for over four years," said Ba a single-room occupancy hotel (SRO) three alarm fire throughout the old, and Nam Phan, owners of the Nha providing affordable housing for single dilapidated building: the gas, electric Trang restaurant. "If we had to people in Uptown. Like many Chicago and water were going to be shut off, the move," Ba continued "people might SROs, the building was on the road to building had been condemned, the city not be able to find our restaurant. They abandonment. But last year, Voice of was going to tear it down within a might forget us." the People took over management of month. For a variety of reasons, many of the the building through the city's Hous­ The rumors, part fact and part fic­ building's tenants would not-or could ing Abandonment Prevention Program tion, were having their effect in June of not-move. At one point the commer­ (see Network Builder, issue #4). The 1985. Many residents fled in fear. cial tenants pooled their rent to pay the fallowing article describes the trans­ The first floor commercial tenants water bill and prevent a shut off. When formation that took place. worried about what would happen to gas and electric disconnection notices their businesses. Most of the building's were posted, some of the hotel residents by Mike Loftin businesses had been there for years and moved into action. Resident Earl Drew For weeks rumors about the fate of had built up a steady clientele. "We've (continued on page 8) 2 Mitchell amendment passes Senate In a major victory for low-income spokesperson. jects the administration proposals to housing, the Senate on June 23 passed The Coalition is advising its members terminate the federal-state-local part­ the Mitchell amendment on low-income to contact House and Senate conferees nership. However, the resolution does housing tax credits on a voice vote, with to ask their support for the Senate ver­ call for another round of deductions in no opposition. sion, with the added provision that tax most urban programs. And it provides The amendment, offered by Sen. exempt financed properties be allowed no funding for general revenue sharing, George Mitchell (D-ME) with the strong to use the tax credit. The Senate bill cur­ although it does leave some room for support of Sen. Edward Kennedy rently forbids combining tax exempt Congress to renew the program. (D-MA), was one of the few substantive financing with tax credits. The House The resolution includes cuts of 2.5% changes agreed to during Senate debate incentives for low-income housing, in CDBG and 12.5% in UDAG, Rental on the tax reform bill. On the following while not as targeted or as effective as Rehab and HODAG. It freezes funding day, the Senate passed its version of tax the Senate's credit, can be used in con­ for assisted housing at current levels. reform. The bill is now in House-Senate junction with tax exempt financing. The budget resolution is not binding, Conference Committee. Predictions are On the budget side: The House and however. It merely serves as a guide for that the final bill will be ready by Labor Senate reached an agreement on the Congress by setting spending targets Day. 1987 budget resolution shortly before and an overall spending ceiling. Within Adoption of the Mitchell amendment the Fourth of July recess. the targets, each committee has discre­ means that the Senate bill's low-income The conference agreement bluntly re- tion to make changes. housing tax credit can be used in combi­ nation with CDBG, UDAG, HODAG, Rental Rehab grants, Section 8 and other federal programs. It also provides a narrow exemption from the "at risk" State offers weak insurance bill rules governing investment in low­ income housing to permit qualified non­ The state legislature passed a com­ percent or more. profits to continue to use seller or related promise package of insurance legisla­ 2. Redlining prohibitions are ex­ party financing without jeopardizing the tion last month. The legislation, while it panded beyond just homeowners' and credit. protects consumer rights, fails to make renters' insurance. Now, insurance Under the amended bill, for a proper­ substantial changes which could solve companies are prohibited to refuse to ty to qualify for any credits, at least 20 the insurance crisis. insure based on location for the follow­ percent of the units must be occupied by The compromise came about as con­ ing lines of insurance: accident and households with incomes below 50 per­ sumer groups battled business and in­ health, vehicle, liability, workers' com­ cent of the area median income. In­ surance interests over two divergent pensation, fidelity and fire. vestors then receive a ten year, eight per­ ways to deal with skyrocketing premi­ 3. Insurance companies must cent credit for each of those units, and a ums and cancellations. Consumer disclose loss information upon request four percent credit for units with groups called for regulation of the in­ of the insured, or with notification of households at 50 to 70 percent of median surance industry, while vehemently op­ cancellation or nonrenewal. income. posing restrictions on the rights of The industry did not win any caps on The Mitchell amendment's most im­ workers and consumers to sue. The in­ pain and suffering or disability awards, portant element was to remove the so­ dustry fought regulation, while pro­ which it desparately fought for. The called "anti-double dipping" provision, moting limits on liability which would major tort law change it won was in the which would have prohibited the use of have hampered citizens' ability to sue area of joint liability, which allows a the new tax credit in low-income hous­ and collect for damages. plaintiff to sue a defendant for 100 per­ ing receiving any other form of federal Both sides managed to stop most of cent of damages even if the defendant is assistance. This provision would have the legislation they opposed. As a only partially at fault. The bill states made the tax credit virtually useless, and result, the bill does not take any strong that a defendant who is 25 percent or would have wiped out upwards of measures to address the insurance less of total negligence is now only 180,000 existing units of low-income crisis. responsible for his or her share. The in­ housing stock. However, certain elements of the bill dustry wanted to completely eliminate With the adoption of the amendment, will offer some relief for insurance con­ joint liability, and was disappointed the Senate's tax proposal is a major im­ sumers. The following provisions were with the 25 percent limit. provement over current law, according won by consumer interests: The other major tort law change ex­ to the National Low-Income Housing 1. Insurers must now give 90-day empts municipalities from liability in Coalition. "The credit replaces ac­ notice of termination of any line of in­ many cases where they are now open for celerated depreciation provisions in cur­ surance. Justification must be given to suit. It is expected that this change will rent tax law with a highly targeted device the state's Dept. of Insurance. A 60-day make it easier for park districts and which provides greater benefits for in­ notice is required for cancellation, non­ other public entities to get insurance. vestors the more very low income units renewal, or premium increases of 30 Governor Thompson is expected to are provided,'' according to a sign the legislation this summer. 3 Habitat builds in West Garfield

according to a spokesperson. The group has sponsored projects all over the world. Habitat built four homes during Carter's stay here, and plans to build 20 homes in Uptown and West Garfield in the coming year. Carter is a board member and an ac­ tive participant in Habitat. During his visit, he worked at the construction site, conducted tours for important visitors, made numerous media appearances and traveled to Uptown to promote the upcoming Habitat project there. Habitat's projects are based on "no interest, no profit." To build the homes, the group solicits grants and no­ interest loans from churches, indivi­ duals and corporations. It sells the homes to low-income families for an average $25,000, providing no-interest mortgages repaid over a 15 to 25 year period. Total monthly payments in Chicago will be less than $300. Mort­

Photo by Jim Wright gage payments are used for purchase, Jimmy Carter at work. rehab and construction of new homes. Families buying Habitat homes are by Debbie Weiner Bernardin also made appearances. Neighborhood residents looked on selected by a local Family Selection Committee. Families are required to Four new houses arose in West Gar­ from their porches or from across the commit 250 hours of sweat equity field last month, and Oprah Winfrey street, bemused by the bustling activity. toward the building of their own house, and Sen. Paul Simon stopped by the Jimmy Carter and Habitat for as well as an additional 100 hours of construction site to lend a hand. Humanity had come to the West Side. volunteer labor for another recipient. Major TV stations and newspapers Habitat for Humanity is a Georgia­ An ongoing program of counseling, witnessed the scene. A bank president, based "partnership of God's people education and advocacy assists the top union officials, a famous Watergate working to provide decent housing at felon and a representative of Cardinal affordable prices for the poor," (continued on page 15) North Shore group promotes fair, affordable housing

Editor's note: The North Shore is subsidized development for limited in­ elderly. not known as a hotbed of housing ac­ come senior citizens at 324 Linden in However, after the Wilmette Village tivism. But since the early 1970s, the Wilmette. Board voted in 1984 to grant a special North Shore Interfaith Housing Coun­ At ground breaking ceremonies on use permit to nonprofit Shore Line cil has been fighting for fair housing June 22, the Housing Council celebra­ Place, Inc. for construction of the opportunities for minorities and limited ted the achievement of its original goal building, some neighbors filed suit to income persons. The group has been and mission to see decent and affor­ block construction. The plaintiffs lost success!ul in many of its advocacy dable housing for the elderly built on their case the following year because efforts. the site. The Council had relentlessly they failed to prove the building would The barriers it faces are different pursued the development of the proper­ "substantially diminish property values from those facing Chicago activists, but ty and its courage and tenacity finally within the neighborhood," according aref ormidable all the same. Thefoil ow­ paid off. to the judge. ing article describes the group's acti­ The Housing Council, headquartered A subsequent appeal to the lllinois vities and recent projects. in Wilmette, successfully mobilized Appellate Court also failed and HUD hundreds of local citizens to write let­ finally issued its commitment of by Rayna G. Miller ters and testify in support of the pro­ $2,086,300 to Shore Line Place last This summer, after a 12-year strug­ ject. Its leaders worked steaqfastly to November. A second suit was tried by gle, the North Shore Interfaith Housing convince village officials to dedicate the court in May, but a decision has not Council won a hard fought battle for and rededicate village-owned land to been announced. With construction the construction of Shore Line Place, a desperately-needed shelter for the (continued on page 14) 4 Hundreds of co-ops for med NYC program creates tenant ownership

owned by the city of New York. Sixty Editor's note: Chicago 's nonprofit tailed description of the necessary sys­ of the structure must be occu­ housing developers have been increas­ percent tems work (eg: electrical, plumbing, pied and the application form must be ingly productive in recent years, but heating) required in the building. Cos­ signed by 60 percent of the existing most observers would agree that the metic work is not included. The plan tenants. The building is sold to the city's housing problems far exceed the details the work the city will assume tenants for $250 per unit, after a grasp of the dozen or so groups actively responsibility for and that which the developing property. number of bench marks have been suc­ tenants will complete. The plan also in­ cessfully reached. We are constantly searching for new dicates which items can be delayed for To ensure the success of the cooper­ ideas and programs which will allow us future consideration. CDBG monies ative, tenants are required to exhibit a to save greater chunks of our housing are available and costs are typically high level of managerial skills. A work­ stock at a faster rate, while keeping the $3000 to $5000 per unit. ing tenant group must be established housing affordable. A success!ul pro­ Once the repairs are completed and participation in training sessions is gram in New York City is currently be­ and UHAB is confident of the tenants' encouraged. Closely monitored by ing studied by several Chicago housing managerial skills, the sales process UHAB, the tenants gradually assume and community groups. The fallowing begins. An offering plan, similar to a responsibility for management of the article describes the program and how it condo disclosure agreement, is building. evolved. developed by the city, provided to In addition to di splaying adequate members of the cooperative and filed management skills, the tenants are re­ with the Attorney General. The trans­ by Sara A. Daines quired to submit a repair plan for the fer of the building must be approved by In 1976 the city of New York approv­ building. The plan must include a de- local community boards, the city's ed legislation authorizing foreclosure on residential buildings for non­ payment of taxes . Ownership of the properties was to revert to the city after Foreclosure: newest affordable housing tool? five years of tax delinquency. This time period was later shortened to one year. Properties in foreclosure for tax or ance responsibilities of ownership. The original intent of the city was to mortgage delinquencies are becoming an The program will go into effect in develop a means of encouraging pro­ important new source of housing for 1987. perty owners to pay their taxes in a low-income co-op development, since The city of Milwaukee has funded a more timely fashion . Unbeknownst to they generally can be purchased for landmark program to reclaim and rede­ local officials, the program was to pro­ modest prices and public loans may be velop homes abandoned after mortgage vide additional benefits to the city's low available in conjunction with their sale. foreclosure, using a centralized pur­ and moderate income residents. Milwaukee and Washington, D.C., chaser to expedite acquisition. The city assumed ownership of recently joined New York in establishing The city-established nonprofit Com­ roughly 10,000 multi-family buildings programs that will convert hundreds of munity Housing Preservation Corp. that first year. The headaches began foreclosed units into cooperatives. (CHPC) is the intermediary, buying soon afterwards. The city was neither The new D.C. homesteading law, foreclosed properties to either redevelop prepared nor willing to assume signed in June, authorizes the city to sell them or transfer ownership to one of six managerial responsibilities for the tax foreclosed multifamily housing for other community housing groups. Most buildings. $250 per unit to co-ops or nonprofit co­ of the purchases will be of HUD­ The City Owned Property Task op developers. Project occupancy must foreclosed homes, using a combination Force was formed to study the prob­ be at least 25% low-moderate income. of grants and loans for acquisition and lem . Their proposal was quite simple: There is a single-family component of rehab. Funds will come primarily from the buildings were to be turned over to the law as well, with prices varying case CDBG and private financing. the tenants for development as housing by case. Also, for low-mod income HUD will give preferred treatment to cooperatives. The Tenant Interim buyers, the city will make deferred CHPC, selling the homes for less than Lease program (TIL) was considered a payment second mortgages for up to the asking price. The goal is to redevelop viable alternative to city management $10,000 per unit to cover rehab. 350 units into co-ops, single-family and the program was implemented in To facilitate purchases, the city must ownership and scattered site rental units 1978. The Urban Homesteading Assist­ advertise availability of tax-foreclosed over the next 18 months. Many of the ance Board (UHAB), a nonprofit hous­ buildings, once the redemption period 350 units will be incorporated into three ing group instrumental in TIL's devel­ has passed. Then purchasers must make scattered site, limited equity housing opment, was contracted to provide a proposal which outlines an ownership cooperatives. technical assistance. plan. Participants are required to take a (From the National Mutual Housing To be eligible for participation in the course in legal, financial and mainten- Network News.) TIL program, the building has to be STATE & LOCAL TRENDS s Housing trust funds: Florida, Washington, Denver

Florida and Washington have become Funds, and with property transfer taxes. planning department and the Board of the latest states to enact legislation It recommended using the fund for a Easements. establishing state housing trust funds. wide variety of housing initiatives. After The entire procedure may last any­ The Florida law creates and funds the months of negotiations with the city, the where from two to four years. City of­ Florida Affordable Housing Trust Fund legislation was finally passed. ficials would like to shorten the pro­ and several other new programs to ease a The "Housing Special Revenue cess. Susan Wefald, director of statewide housing crisis. According to Fund" will be governed by an eight to management services at UHAB, dis­ the bill, one out of five Floridians faces eleven member Housing Trust Council agrees. "The danger of early transfer is "critical housing problems due to hous­ appointed by the mayor. The funds will obvious. Without strong managerial ing affordability or substandard housing be disbursed and monitored by the city's skills and a sound building, the poten­ conditions.'' Community Development Agency on tial for failure is tremendous. It is a The law provides $3 .3 million for the behalf of the Council. The funds will be learning process and the progress one new programs, which will be adminis­ targeted to programs and projects that makes depends largely upon the parti­ tered by the Florida Housing Finance benefit low-income individuals. At least cipants. There are no shortcuts." Agency and the Dept. of Community $1 million will be set aside as grants. The program has been quite success­ Affairs. A revolving loan fund will pro­ (From the Neighborhood Develop­ ful. The first buildings were sold in vide financial assistance for the develop­ ment Forum.) 1980 and 170 cooperatives have been ment of affordable ownership and rental developed since then. An additional housing for very-low, low-and ************* 325 to 350 buildings are participating in moderate-income persons. The finance Also in Denver, the local housing the TIL program for eventual develop­ agency is authorized to use trust fund authority has announced a goal of ment as coops. Buildings average 24 money to make no- and low-interest developing 1000 units of co-op housing units. loans for housing projects that meet cer­ for low and moderate income families The future of the program looks tain requirements. over the coming five years. solid as the city continues to acquire Trust fund monies will also provide The PHA will bring in co-op trainers properties. Foreclosures are held on an loans and grants to selected projects as to train PHA management staff and (continued on page 13) part of a two-year pilot affordable hous­ monitor operations of the new co-ops as ing demonstration program. The bill they develop. The first project is a con­ also provides for loans and technical version of 64 units of public housing in­ Legislature to study housing assistance to community-based to a 44-unit co-op, as part of HUD's The Illinois legislature created a Joint organizations, and creates a separate 1985 Homeownership Demonstration. Committee on Housing at the close of mobile home trust fund. (From the National Mutual Housing the last legislative session. A new Washington state law creates a Network News.) The committee will assess the avail­ housing trust fund to provide financial ability of housing in Illinois, particularly assistance for housing activities for very­ for low- and middle-income individuals low and low-income persons. However, and families. It will make recommenda­ Gov. Booth Gardner vetoed the ap­ Fresno adopts apartments tions for legislation which would "pro­ propriation for the fund, and specified mote the availability of housing to all the composition of a trust fund advisory The Fresno City Council recently the people of Illinois." The committee is committee. passed a measure that would provide to report out its findings by January of The legislation authorizes the trust funding for an "adopt an apartment" 1987. fund to make loans and grants for a program aimed at housing the city's 400 The committee will be made up of two broad range of housing activities which homeless families. Republicans and two Democrats from would serve households earning no more Under the plan, city funds and con­ both the House and the Senate. As this than 50 percent of area median income. tributions from churches, businesses issue goes to press, the committee (From the Housing and Development and private organizations would pay members have not yet been designated. Reporter.) rents on vacant apartment units that The legislation was originally proposed The Denver City Council unanimous­ would be used to provide emergency by Rep. Art Turner (D-Chicago). ly voted to create an $11 million housing shelter for several weeks. trust fund last spring. Total cost of the program is The vote culminated an organizing estimated at$ l.5 million per year. The drive of the "50 for Housing" coalition, council approved seed money of made up of nonprofit housing $150,000 in CDBG funds. Organizers developers and service providers. The of the program include the city, the coalition drafted the original concept Fresno Chamber of Commerce, local for the HTF last July. It recommended churches, United Way and others. capitalizing the fund with a portion of (From the Housing and Develop­ Denver's Urban Renewal Recapture ment Reporter.) 6 How to have a safe construction site

by R. M. Santucci accident prevention program. are likely topics of discussion. Twenty Construction is a dangerous busi­ The basic components of a typical or 30 minutes a week have proven effec­ ness . program include hands-on skills train­ tive in reducing accidents in conjunc­ Insurance premiums show that ing, screening people to match them tion with insurance company designed payments for workmen's compensation with tasks, checking for equipment accident prevention programs. claims average nine percent of the safety, and sponsoring weekly meetings Although there are numerous ways wages for every hour worked. That to discuss accident potentials. workers can get hurt on the job, I'm go­ figure is for construction companies Training: No one should pick up a ing to focus on poisons, use of power that generally have skilled workers, ap­ power tool without instruction on how tools and ladders. That's because those propriate tools, established safety pro­ it's used and what can happen if it's not things do more damage than all other cedures, and federal job-safety regula­ used correctly. The trainee should use hazards combined, and with a tions. the equipment while the supervisor is thoughtful approach, many needless in­ So you can see that the potential for still on the job. This applies to ex­ juries can be averted. accidents rises dramatically when perienced "do-it-yourselfers" who may Poisons: Typical poisons found on a volunteers and homesteaders attempt protest. Job supervisors must always job site are asbestos, lead oxides, new tasks with marginal tools and assume that most workers aren't in the animal feces and solvents. minimal instruction. habit of preventing accidents. Asbestos has become the most There are four major ways to increase Screening: Certain jobs generally famous carcinogen. From the early your chances of having a safe job and should be left to fully insured profes­ 1800s until 1970, it was the inorganic saving money on insurance and lost sionals. The five trades with the highest fiber of choice for fireproof insulation work time. First is accident preven­ rates of accident claims are wreckers, and a binder in cement, plaster and gyp­ tion-planning and carrying out a com­ roofers, common laborers, carpenters sum compounds. Estimates are that prehensive program to recognize dan­ and truck drivers. Other trade areas some amount of this mineral fiber is in gers and avoid them. such as asbestos removal, high ladder 75 percent of all houses built between Second is safety equipment - know­ work and sheet metal forming are so 1920 and 1970. It's most dangerous in ing and using devices that make it easier prone to accident claims that insurance one form, as a small fiber capable of be­ for a worker to be protected against costs range up to 54 percent of total ing inhaled, causing long-term irrita­ tion in the lungs. When you discover asbestos fiber as pipe or boiler or heating duct insula­ tion, it should be removed or encap­ Periodic meetings to discuss near accidents and review safety sulated (sprayed with a plastic coating). precautions keep everyone tuned in to prevention. That has to be done without spreading the dust all over the neighborhood or letting the workers breathe it. Federal guidelines require that specialized con­ tractors, whose workers wear sealed suits and constantly monitor the air accidents. Third is emergency response labor costs. quality, be hired to remove asbestos. - being able to react to minimize pain Areas where accident claims are min­ Until the procedures become more and permanent damage in the first 30 imal include installing hardware, vinyl commonplace and policy makers come minutes after an accident. flooring, plumbing, grading, cement up with practical solutions to the na­ Fourth is tough supervision-super­ finishing, painting and plastering. So tional problem of asbestos removal, vision that will not tolerate carelessness people should be matched to tasks with there is no safe or inexpensive way to ac­ and will not endanger workers for the an eye toward the skill or training they complish the task except competitive sake of profits, lower costs or even com­ have that could keep them safe. For ex­ bidding. The awards from lawsuits in­ pleting a job on time. ample, anyone can paint walls, but only volving asbestos are so large and certain people should be authorized to Accident prevention damaging that any group should not set and climb ladders. overlook or ignore asbestos removal All contractors should have accident Meetings: Somebody on the con­ procedures. prevention programs to lower their in­ struction team should be responsible Lead oxides are another poison to surance rates, eliminate job disabilities for focusing on job safety. Periodic watch out for. Scraping exterior wood­ and protect their crews. Nonprofit meetings to discuss near accidents and work, demolishing lead-painted walls groups that sponsor volunteer and oc­ review safety precautions keep and stripping old millwork are the ma­ cupant work parties are inviting prob­ everyone tuned in to prevention. Basic jor ways that workers are exposed to lems if they operate without a formal first aid and emergency procedures also 7

All tools - owned, borrowed or rented - should be checked daily to make sure they are working correctly. lead oxides. of time working in areas where lead­ juries from power tools. A carbide tip­ Respirators designed to filter out based paint is suspected also should ped saw blade rotating at 4200 rpm pesticides also work to prevent have blood tests periodically - such as makes quick work of just about breathing in lead paint particles. The every three months - to check for lead anything it comes in contact with, in­ trouble comes when we burn woodwork content. cluding your body. to get the paint off. The fumes given off Animal feces is another potentially Here are some tips for saw safety. in any rapid oxidation process are toxic. toxic substance that can be found in I. Don't bind the blade. When cut­ One way to reduce the likelihood of rehabilitation work. Masks are the best ting long panels, the blade may bind lead oxide poisoning is to make sure defense against breathing germs that and the saw will catch and kick back workers change clothing before going can be borne in dust from dried animal toward the operator. Use small wood home. Advise them to wash the clothes feces. wedges or shim shingles to spread the separately from other laundry and with Power tools: Power saw cuts and saw cut as you go along. a high-phosphate detergent, such as broken wrists from high torque drills 2. Keep the blade guard working. Spic and Span. People who spend a lot are the two most common major in- The spring-actuated blade guard often becomes bent and won't slide quickly, or the spring becomes st retched so the return is slow. Repair damage to the guard as it happens and never tie the guard back out of the way. 3. Support the work properly. Never attempt to cut something that could tilt or fall and cause the saw to slip. Ladders: As helpful as ladders are, they present a big hazard if not used properly. Instruct your workers who use ladders to move slowly, shifting their weight smoothly to keep the lad­ der stable. Keep the ladder angle be­ tween 45 degrees and 60 degrees to the horizontal. A ladder can slip easily if it is set at too steep an angle, and a worker can easily fall backward if a lad­ der is set at too shallow an angle. Safety equipment Job safety equipment is not just for sissies and weekend workers. I learned that the hard way. In 19 years in the construction business, I've broken my back, lost the sight of one eye per­ manently, lost the sight of the other one for about ten days and had my heart stop after an electric shock. So the same things or worse don't happen to you or your workers, you must become an ad­ vocate of safe equipment as well as safety equipment. All tools - owned, borrowed or rented - should be checked daily to make sure they are working correctly. Any malfunctions should be given top priority for repair. Return springs on circular saws should be replaced (continued on page 12) 8 Moreland Hotel undergoes transformation

Photo by Mike Loftin

Photo by Thom Clark (continued from page I) the last four years," he said. "All we got mad. "After I paid my rent, I'm did was pay rent." supposed to move?" asked Drew. The deferred maintenance took its " Where the hell could I move to on toll. Garbage piled up, roaches, mice short notice like that?" and rats invaded and multiplied, leaks Drew contacted the Uptown Legal in the roof damaged the rooms below, Assistance Foundation (LAF) office. hot water was inadequate, security was LAF accompanied a group of tenants nonexistent, break-ins were common . .. who went to housing court and con­ and fed-up tenants moved out. expanded the utility receivership into a vinced the judge to put the building into "My first impression," said LAF general one and approved of Voice utility receivership. The court ap­ attorney Dan Burke upon visiting the becoming the receiver's management pointed a receiver to collect the rent and Moreland, "was that the place was a agent. pay the utility bills. For the time being, ghost town . It looked like a building Upon assuming management respon­ continued gas and electric service was that was shutting down." Even Earl sibility, Voice's first job was to correct ensured. No one was going to have to Drew, the first resident to put up a dangerous and hazardous conditions. move. fight, was discouraged. "I never Some were inexpensive to correct: Preventing the utility shut-off was thought anyone could ever pull this smoke detectors were installed, garbage only the beginning to saving the 69-unit building back together," he said. blocking access to fire escapes was Moreland Hotel. Built on the southwest To make matters worse, the building removed, bait was set out for rats. corner of Argyle and Sheridan in the was plagued by several code violations Other dangerous conditions would early I 900's, the Moreland once considered dangerous and hazardous cost more to correct. The electrical ser­ boasted of well-kept hotel rooms on the by the city. Because there had been no vice had to be grounded, feeders and second and third floors and of stores effort to correct these conditions, the junction boxes replaced and emergency and restaurants on the ground floor. city was getting ready to vacate the en­ lighting installed. Improperly installed There are still hotel rooms on the top tire building. Both the building's accel­ hot water heaters had to be replaced. two floors (occupied now by permanent erated decay and the city's threatened The roof had to be patched and sewage residents) and viable businesses on the vacate order had to be halted. in the basement cleaned up. It was for first floor. In July, 1985, LAF approached Voice these repairs that HAPP proved to be But the building has undergone of the People to see if it would be in­ essential. decay. By all accounts, the current terested in managing the building under The program provided a small grant owners of the building accelerated its the newly-initiated Housing Abandon­ to Voice so it could hire someone to deterioration the last several years. "I ment Prevention Program (HAPP). help manage the Moreland. Also, the knew we were in trouble a month after After much deliberation Voice decided Moreland received a loan from (the current owners) bought it," said to take on the job. Voice's board HAPP's emergency repair fund. The Michael Feldman, owner of Zietkin's thought it was important to save the $30,000 loan enabled Voice to repair the Drugs for the last 14 years. Feldman building because of its prime location roof, hot water system and electrical remembers how the owners never made on the Argyle business strip and system. Under HAPP, the loan repairs or provided adequate heat. because of the need for housing for becomes a lien on the property to be "There was never ever any service for single people. By August the court had paid back once the owner regains con- 9 Room 226 was piled to the ceiling with garbage when Voice took over the building. verge of abandonment? According to Earl Drew, "Things are shaping up, lit­ tle by little. We have good hot water and the night clerks have made a big difference (in security.)" Nevertheless Drew says, "there's still room for improvement." Major Jenkins, a resi­ dent since 1978, said Voice is "running the building llke it should be-in a gentleman way!" June Burke also liked the work being done. "My window got fixed, they've been spraying for bugs. It's a big improvement," she said. Commercial tenants are pleased too. "The back door got fixed," said Ba Phan of the Nha Trang Restaurant. "Now people can't go (in the back courtyard) and drink beer or go to the bathroom. It's very clean now." Drug store owner Feldman said "there's no comparison at all" between the current Photos by Thom Clark and former management. "I have heat. There's a new roof. Now I feel like I have a legitimate landlord," he said. No one knows what the long term future will be for the Moreland Hotel. Now that the immediate danger of abandonment seems to be gone, Voice will continue to improve the building to the extent the cash flow allows. But the building's ownership is in dispute and it is still a mystery as to when the iss ue will be settled by the court. Nevertheless, many of the tenants are intent on saving their home. "Earl (Drew) and I both had the idea that we were going to fight for this place," recalls June Burke. "It's too good of a building to let it get torn down." (Reprinted by permission from The Voice Speaks.)

Photo by Mike Loftin trol of the property or when the building is sold. Improvements in the building are not limited, however, by the availability of HAPP funds. Income from rents has paid for new front and back doors, have 2 thorough and regular extermination for roaches and rodents, plumbing repairs, GooJ Day! new drywall and paint. Rental income also pays the salaries of a full-time site manager and of clerks that cover the front desk seven nights a week . When Voice took over the building, only 16 units were occupied. Now 65 units are full. Rents range from $140 to $185 per month. So how have things changed since June when the building was on the 10 Citywide training session (continued from page/) the "Training for Trainers" Cooper­ group of nine tenant organizers from method, called the "Small Group Acti­ ative (T4T), with assistance from Anne housing developments all over the city vity Method," is based on the idea that Conley of the Rehab Network. The T4T began meeting on a regular basis to dis­ people learn best by doing rather than program teaches a training method to cuss their common concerns, and to ex­ passively listening. Divided into groups organizers which is specifically design­ plore training possibilities. After learn­ of four or five each, participants were ed to facilitate tenant self-management ing some of the T4T basics by parti­ given problem solving activities which of low-income housing. The program is cipating in small group activities had been designed to elicit answers fairly new, having incorporated in ourselves, we proceeded to develop ex­ coming out of folks' day to day ex­ 1984, but has already sponsored three ercises for the May 31 session, choosing periences. As individuals each con­ five-day training sessions for organi­ issues relevant to our own organiza­ t ri bu ted their own knowledge, it zers, with two more scheduled to take tions. became apparent that the group collec­ place this summer. The frequently echoed response to ti ve ly possessed a wealth of informa­ It is apparent that trammg in this that first session has been, "that l ion. Differences of opinion were often field is long overdue in Chicago. When workshop was excellent! When can we discovered, but working through those word got out that Anne Conley was do it again?" One Housing Resource differences effectively was an impor­ leaving her position at Common Space Center resident, Peggy DesJarlait, tant part of the challenge, and trainers in Minneapolis in order to do training in remarked, "I just like the chance to were on hand to assist this process. Chicago, phone messages began piling meet with people from other housing The curriculum and methodology up on her desk before her bags were developments, to find out what their were developed using the techniques of even unpacked. Within a few months a groups are doing. If nothing else, we Tenant bill of rights becomes hot issue

The Tenants' Bill of Rights received a The tenant must provide written notice Ass n. of Commerce and Industry, in a new lease on life when Mayor to give the landlord time to make the recent article in Crain 's. Washington announced it would repairs first. But proponents insist that the only become priority legislation, shortly The bill also gives tenants the right to people who have anything to fear are after the special aldermanic elections a fair lease, the right to terminate a slumlords who do not maintain their which gave him a Council majority for lease if the landlord fails to maintain property. They note that a very similar the first time. the property, and the right to withhold ordinance exists in Evanston, and has The bill had long been stalled in Aid. a certain portion of the rent in cases had no notable effect on investment. Fred Roti's Buildings Committee. where uninhabitable conditions exist The Rehab Network, whose member Following the mayor's announce­ (again, with reasonable notice). The bill groups own well over a thousand units ment , tenant groups from around the prohibits retaliatory evictions and un­ of low-income housing, supports the city began mobilizing for a Council reasonable access by landlords. legi slation. "The bill will help the showdown, which is expected in Owner-occupied buildings of four responsible property owners in a neigh­ September. While the mayor ostensibly units or less are exempt from the ordi­ borhood, because it will provide a way has a 25-plus-one majority, aldermen nance. to make sure the irresponsible owners from both sides of the aisle are expected Aid. David Orr, the sponsor of the maintain their property," says Bill to jump sides on this controversial legislation, stressed at the hearing that Foster, director of the Network. "A issue. Tenant leaders predict a close not only will the bill protect tenants, it bad building on the block can drive fight. will also help neighborhoods by en­ down property values and lead to fur­ More than 80 tenants packed a public couraging landlords to maintain their ther neighborhood deterioration. If hearing on the bill called by Aid. Tom buildings. Moreno agreed, and quoted anything, the bill should serve to pro­ Cullerton in June. They provided WMAQ-TV's endorsement of the ordi­ tect investment, not drive it away." testimony of the necessity for legisla­ nance: "It would preserve and main­ Nei ghborhood hearings on th e or­ tion which would protect tenants from tain the quality of Chicago's vital rental dinance are being held in Humboldt landlord abuses. "The bill simply pro­ stock, and ... would preserve the qual­ Park and Uptown, with a cit y,, 'de vides for basic fairness in landlord­ ity of Chicago as a whole." public hearing sc heduled for late July. tenan t relations," stated Ricardo Opposition to the Tenants' Bill of MTO and other community groups are Moreno, president of the Metro Rights comes from real estate interests intent on making the Tenant Bill of Tenants Organization (MTO). who claim the legislation will discour­ Ri ghts a realit y. They are lobbying both The ordinance, which has undergone age investment in rental housing. They factions of Council Wars, and the bill 's some recent revisions, gives tenants the also fear it will lead to further restric­ opponents are doing the same. Because right to make repairs of dangerous con­ tions on landlords. "It is the first step for the fir st time since the ordinance ditions in their buildings, and deduct toward rent control," claimed Samuel was introduced way back in 1979, it has the cost of these repairs from their rent. Mitchell, president of the Chicago a chance to pass. 11

can always learn from each other's mistakes!" The trainers group is again busy tak­ ing requests for workshop topics so it can develop exercises for the next ses­ sion. Topics in demand from one or­ ganization alone already include: train­ ing in how to read and analyze financial statements; developing skills in conflict resolution; and gaining a better under­ standing of basic tenants' rights. With organizational visions and training goals being defined so clearly by residents I think it is safe to say that resident-managed and cooperative housing really is on the rise.

Joan Pearson is tenant organizer for the Housing Resource Center.

Photo by Sara Daines Tax reactivation suffers another delay

by Roberta Warshaw hasn't paid taxes and in most instances building owners. The owners have hasn't kept the property in good condi­ received both mail and publication The Illinois Supreme Court has tion, loses. In many cases there is not notice annually for at least five years, agreed to hear a challenge to the Cook even a slumlord to object; some when their taxes were offered for sale County Scavenger Sale sometime this buildings have been long abandoned. at the Annual Tax Sale. They also have fall. The transfer of ownership of the pro­ a six month period of redemption after As a result, the next scavenger sale perty is accomplished at the County's the sale in order to retain ownership if will not take place until early 1987. scavenger sale of tax delinquent pro­ all back taxes are paid. Nonprofit housing groups poised to ac­ perties. By Illinois Statute all counties The treasurer's position is that addi­ quire buildings through the Cook Coun­ are to schedule a scavenger sale at tional mail notice should not be re­ ty Multi-Family Tax-Reactivation Pro­ least every two years. Phase I of TRP, quired, since sufficient prior notice has gram (TRP) will be forced to wait. which began with the scavenger sale of occurred and the cost of mailing, ap­ The saga of TRP shows how a 1983, resulted in the acquisition and proximately $50,000 and considerable creative, successful government pro­ rehab of 600 units of housing. Phase II staff time, will create an unnecessary gram can get mired in bureaucratic is temporarily on hold. burden. The treasurer has lost his argu­ quicksand: Why the current delay? Many ment in the lower courts and the opinion Once upon a time a very creative building owners who don't bother to has created some uncertainty regar­ idea was enacted into law. The legisla­ pay their taxes do bother to sue when ding prior sales. tion benefited the community and threatened with loss of ownership. During this delay, of course, the didn't cost the government any money. Every phase of the action that takes buildings continue to deteriorate, many TRP enables the County to transfer property away from this group has beyond the point of saving. But even­ ownership of multi-family properties been challenged in court. The sale has tually a final decision will be reached, which are at least five years tax delin­ been delayed as a result of current and the scavenger sale will take place. quent to nonprofit developers who litigation. Although the TRP component The Rehab Network will continue to have the resources and the capacity to of the scavenger sale did not stimulate monitor the court process. If you are rehab the buildings. The nonprofit this particular lawsuit, we all suffer from part of a neighborhood based nonprofit developer must agree to pay property the delay. This program's exciting con­ organization with development ex­ taxes and to hold the buildings for low cept, which is becoming a model for perience, or with staff ability and and moderate income tenants for 15 other communities, unfortunately has capacity, and you are prepared to years. only gone through a pilot phase here. develop property that will benefit low This creates an ideal situation where The current court challenge is based and moderate income persons in your the community, the tenants, the on the fact that the Cook County neighborhood, call us so we can add developers and the government all treasurer published notice of the sale your name to our mailing list. Someday benefit. Only the building owner, who but has never mailed notice to the we will have our program. 12 A voiding construction hazards

(continued from page 7) Emergency response stabilize the injury as much as possible regularly. Guards should be cleaned until medical help arrives. And you and oiled. Two other pieces of safety equipment should have quick access to a telephone are a first aid kit and a telephone. Damaged hand tools should be to call for help. If somebody gets hurt on the job, you replaced before they break while in use. I once watched a young carpenter saw should be prepared with a first aid kit to Scaffolding and ladders left in place his right hand off in an electric miter overnight should be checked before people climb on to work. Three pieces of clothing are a must: full face-dust masks (or respirators), open shop glasses and steel reinforced boots. Masks: Respirator-type masks must be worn during demolition, installing insulation, applying gypsum board, sanding floors and while applying some glues and resins. For complete protec­ tion, don't waste your money on cheap paper cups that cover most of your mouth and stay on with a rubber band. They afford a little protection against annoying dust, but are ineffective against lead dust, toxic solvents or asbestos. Buy an expensive full face respirator mask that adjusts and molds to your face . If it isn't comfortable, don' t buy it because you won't wear it. Respirators with separate intake and exhaust ports are best because they ex­ haust water vapor and it's easier to breathe during vigorous work. High­ quality respirators allow for inter­ changeable and replaceable filters. Some filters are for dusts and some are for solvents. Shop glasses: Glasses with wrap­ around wire mesh side guards or full eye goggles must be worn when using power tools, hammering hardened nails and during demolition. The open glass design is much less prone to fogging up and scratching than plastic goggles. When goggles fog and scratch, they im­ pair vision and create a hazard. Safety shoes: Steel-tipped, steel shank boots aren't a luxury. There .are nails in boards, sheets of gypsum board and plywood and dozens of other haz­ ards waiting to penetrate your running Mod rehab workshops draw crowd shoes or smash down on your big toe. If More than 60 people attended a three-part workshop on moderate rehab sponsored by you're using volunteers who don't have the Rehab Network. them, make sure the site is cleaned up The workshop brought together nonprofit developers, ci ty and state officials, lenders, before they come, or first thing after private architects and contractors to explore ways to cut costs so that dwindling fund s for they arrive. Rehab jobs are dirty jobs low-income housing can be stretched farther. where debris is the norm. Protect your The workshops were conducted by Bob Santucci of the Rehab Work Group, a subsidiary of the Maryland-based Enterprise Foundation. He led the group through a series of discus­ feet and you'll always have good sions on building systems , building envelope and administrative (soft ) costs. Look for a fu ll footing. discussion of the workshops in our next issue! (Photos by Len Robinson.) 13

saw. It has since been reattached and and make a deal with the owner to use it 3. He or she should be sent home. works pretty well, but only because a in emergencies. If a worker is repeatedly careless or telephone and first-aid kit were Supervision inept, the supervisor must be quick and available at the job site. decisive about removing him or her First aid kits should be good enough Finally, no amount of planning, from the job site. A careless or unin­ to handle most injuries that could hap­ training, good tools and protective formed worker can be dangerous and pen on the job-injuries such as falls, devices will keep workers safe without does not belong in construction work. cuts and electric shocks. When buying a tough supervision. Every worker must Another quality of a safe supervisor kit, consider whether it has enough be closely watched when doing a dan­ is never rushing a dangerous job, no material to temporarily clean and patch gerous job, particularly if he or she is matter what the outside pressures are. A up a 4-inch sheet metal cut, a nail punc­ working alone for the first time. good job superintendent or foreman ture in a hand, or a broken wrist. Think If a worker hasn't mastered the pro­ should be captain of the ship on safety of yourself with those injuries and the cedure, one of three things should hap­ issues and never countermanded. Such kit will be adequate. pen: a person will shut down a job if nec­ A job site telephone is not just for I. He or she should be restrained on essary rather than endanger lives or calling subs and material houses. It also the spot and monitored continually health. reports fires, calls an ambulance or re­ until you're sure the job has been mas­ Reprinted by permission from Cost ports a break-in. A cheap rotary phone tered. 2. He or she should be transferred to Cuts, the newsletter of the Rehab Work will do. If that's impossible, locate the Group. nearest phone the first day on the job a safer job.

TIL offers tenant ownership opportunities

(continued from page 5) pie) do have the option to move." nant training opportunities must be ex­ annual basis. In 1983, for example, fif­ Because affordable housing is more panded. ty to sixty buildings became available available, the development of coop­ Another hurdle involves the current for co-op conversion through the TIL eratives becomes less urgent. approach to rehab in Chicago. The TIL program. An additional concern of Wefald's is buildings undergo severely limited Could the program work here in the lack of an existing transfer rehab, with the aim being to ensure the Chicago? Bill Foster, director of the mechanism. Unlike New York, Chicago long-term functioning of systems, and Rehab Network, believes it could. does not have a law which would permit to correct dangerous conditions. Strict "Chicago has traditionally taken a con­ servative approach when dealing with its housing problems. The cooperative program developed in New York is a The building is sold to the tenants for $250 per unit, after a radical concept and worthy of con­ number of bench marks have been successfully reached. sideration. It's time we tried something new." Network members and other local groups are equally supportive of the concept and are considering the viability of a similar program in the city to assume ownership of tax code enforcement is not the aim-sav­ Chicago. delinquent buildings. ing the building stock, returning the Wefald believes there are two issues Despite these concerns, Wefald is property to the tax rolls and keeping the which may affect the successful supportive of Chicago's interest in the buildings affordable take precedence. transfer of the program to Chicago. TIL program. "It is important to rec­ Further improvements are up to the "The unique thing about New York ognize that ultimately the success or tenants. is the current housing crunch." Hous­ fa{lure of the cooperative lies with the TIL was designed so that with limited ing is so scarce that people "are essen­ residents. And, as we have seen in New resources, large numbers of units could tially stuck" with what they have, re­ York, they can do it." be saved. Given the extent of the hous­ gardless of its condition. Wefald Chicago's housing community be­ ing problems that exist in Chicago's believes this may not be as true in lieves that a two to five year pilot pro­ low-income communities, and the Chicago. A family can relocate with gram is "definitely worth a try." First, city's dwindling share of federal funds, more ease here than they might in New of course, mechanisms for obtaining such a program deserves close ex­ York. "It may still be a slum, but (peo- ownership must be explored. Also, te- amination. 14 North Shore Interfaith Housing Council

(cunrinued f rom page 3) thened fair housing laws, housing sub- Supreme Court in I 982. Two cases settl- under way, 44 apartments will be ready sidy programs and conversion of ed in 1985 involved a white homeseeker for occupancy next spring by low in- surplus buildings for reuse as family offended by racially derogatory come Wilmette residents, former and elderly subsidized and affordable remarks and a black couple denied ren- residents and parents of Wilmette housing. It conducts ongoing education ta! of office space. Each case was settled residents. efforts which bring current housing for $10,000 and the couple currently The action typifies the work of the issues to the community, including the rents the office space. Housing Council, which was formed in needs and methods for expanding hous- The Center has also developed an au- 1973 dedicated to the establishment of ing opportunities for minority and diting study focusing on real estate an inclusive community in the northern limited income people. The Council firms in five north suburban commun- suburbs-a community free of discrim- acts as an important resource to ities. The study, to be completed this ination in housing occupancy. Organ- religious, civic, private groups and year, was undertaken to determine the ized by eight Christian and Jewish con- municipalities. It can and does claim showing patterns of realtors to black gregations in five North Shore Suburbs, much of the credit for the fact that af- and white homeseekers and to measure the Council has since grown to a coali- fordable housing has been developed any difference in treatment. A home- tion of 66 religious congregations and and housing assistance programs estab- share program was launched last civic groups in eleven northern suburbs. lished in six north suburban com- September to reduce the cost of shelter Its credibility and authority, as it con- munities where formerly none existed. by matching compatible homeseekers tinues to speak out for the housing In l '.)77, in response to substantially and homeowners. needs of minority, elderly and limited increased requests for help, the Council In 1981 , Housing Council and Center income persons, comes from its unique established the North Suburban Hous- board members recognized the drastic partnership of religious and civic ing Center, a regional fair housing changes in national housing policy. members. It works to achieve its goals center which has provided housing They set up a Joint Task Force to ex- through education and advocacy and its counseling and a referral service to plore new models and concepts to help programs challenge all forms of more than 5000 low income, elderly and solve the housing problems of north discrimination, especially those based minority households. The Center in- suburban elderly, minorities and on race, religion, age, gender, economic vestigates complaints of housing dis- limited income people. One of the most status and family composition. crimination, using testers, a means of important results of this study was the The Council actively supports streng- investigation endorsed by the U.S. establishment of the Interfaith Housing Development Corporation (IHDC) in 1983. The IHDC, a nonprofit corpora­ ******************************************* tion, will provide subsidized and/ or af- fordable housing to low income people. HE PLUMB LINE Last year the IHDC received $70,000 FAREWELL DEPT: Good luck to was born on the same day. in Community Development Block Sara Daines, who left Chicago and an ODDS & ENDS: Anne Conley is Grant funds from the Skokie Village internship with the Rehab Network for finally legitimizing her position as co­ Board for acquisition of a Skokie life on the Mississippi: she's now work­ op trainer by moving into a co-op. And apartment building to be used for fami­ ing as a planner for the city of Dubu­ she claims that Hyde Park isn't as bad ly housing. The group hopes to close que. Sara did a great job at the Net­ as everyone says .... this fall on a 12-unit building. A limited work (particularly on the newsletter!), Roberta Warshaw and Ann Rainey partnership prospectus is being and we'll miss her .... have become public enemy #I and #2 in prepared and shares will soon be of­ And another farewell and good luck Evanston, where they have been fered. to Joe Gatlin, who's returning to his fighting for tenants' rights in regard to The proposed Congressional changes hometown of Waco, Texas to work for the proposed downtown research park. in the tax law are forcing the IHDC to Habitat for Humanity. Peoples Hous­ They sit on the Evanston City develop a most creative approach to ing and the rest of the nonprofit hous­ Council's relocation committee, but it financing. Skokie lenders are being ap­ ing community will miss him. Welcome seems that the relocation committee proached for participation in the ven­ to his replacement, Barbara Shaw, who chairman doesn't call meetings. Maybe ture, the first public/ private partner­ comes to Chicago from Springfield, he's aspiring to be a Chicago alderman. ship of this nature in Chicago's nor­ where she was director of the Illinois The Network will celebrate its 10th thern suburbs. Coalition on Domestic Violence. anniversary in October. Juan Rivera, Rayna G. Miller has been executive BABY DEPT: Congratulations to George Arrington and Michael director of the North Shore Interfaith Barb Beck of USC and her husband Freedberg are on the planning commit­ Housing Council since 1975 and has Dennis Marino of Uptown Hull House tee for the 10th annual meeting, which also served as director of the North on the birth of their baby girl on 1uly will take place that month. It promises Suburban Housing Center and the In­ 18. Also to Felicia Mitchell (SACCC) to be an exciting event! terfaith Housing Development Cor­ and Joe Bute (ONE), whose daughter poration. 15 Carter, Habitat come to town

(continued from page 3) families in learning home ownership skills. Habitat's West Side director, Patrick Keen, emphasized that Habitat forms a partnership with the surrounding neighborhood residents. "It involves people from the community as well as people from outside the community,'' he stated. Keen was concerned that the media portrayed Habitat as a group of outsiders coming into the community on a mission of charity. "I was very disap­ pointed in what I saw in the press .. . the community was very much in control." "Habitat is about forming partner­ ships," stated Chicago Habitat Direc­ tor Ken Bensen at the kick-off ceremony, held at the construction site. Through the Chicago Building Trades Council, an estimated 100 apprentices and journeymen volunteered their labor. Volunteers also came from Photo by Debbie Weiner Prison Fellowship Ministries, led by former Nixon aide Charles Colson. resources, which multiply once a pro­ At the West Garfield kick-off, Fuller Colson noted that the last time he ject gets underway. "By being faithful described the construction of four worked with a U.S. President, he got houses in a week as "a demonstration three years in jail. with the little that we have, and getting organized, and getting started, the of faith in action .... you're going to Various businesses donated materials money just pours in," he says. So far, see a miracle take place," he told the such as drywall, concrete, lumber, Habitat has spawned 117 projects crowd. Carter also addressed the paint and power tools. The Salvation throughout the country, and 25 pro­ gathering, noting that "this is a week of Army and American Red Cross also jects in 14 developing countries around inspiration and dedication and enjoy­ contributed to the effort. No govern­ the world. ment and accomplishment." ment funds go into Habitat's projects. This reflects Habitat's intention to spur private involvement in meeting housing needs. Habitat believes that, through its The Network Builder is published bi­ Members: Association for Black housing ministry, decent shelter can monthly and is available to indivi­ Community Development , Bethel eventually be provided for all people. duals and organizations concerned New Life , Bickerdike Redevelopment "We hope to eliminate poverty housing with the continuing supply of decent Corp., Circle Christian Development housing opportunities for low- and Corp., Coalition for United Commun­ from the face of the earth," says the moderate-income residents of ity Action, Covenant Deve lopment group's literature. This will be done by Chicago. Inquiries should be Corp ., Eighteenth St. Development addressed to: The Chicago Rehab Corp. , Heart of Uptown Coalition, building, and by providing an example Network, 53 W. Jackson, Suite 818, Howard Area Housing Services to others. "Projects are being launched Chicago, IL 60604; (312) 663-3936. Center, Kenwood/Oakland Commun­ all around the world. The projects ity Organization, Latin United Com­ Network President: Bob Lucas munity Housing Association , Midwest function as a conscience to everyone in Community Council , Near North Network Director: Bill Foster that locale, urging them to get involved Development Corp ., Northwest in the effort to provide decent housing Staff.· Joyce Arrington, Syed Azeem, Austin Council, Peoples Hou si ng , Anne Conley, Sara Daines, Juanita Inc., People's Reinvestment and for everybody.'' Ferguson, Cris Isaza, Lenwood Development Effort, South Shore Millard Fuller, the Georgia business­ Robinson, Ann Shapiro, Roberta Housing Center/The Neighborhood Warshaw, Debbie Weiner man who founded Habitat, describes Institute , Voice of the People Newsletter Editor: Debbie Weiner what he calls "the economics of Jesus" Associate Members: Center for Typesetting. Advantage Printers and Neighborhood Technology, Center for when explaining Habitat's method of Typesetters providing housing. Jesus was able to New Horizons, Inc ., Community Printing.· Omega Graphics Renewal Society, Jewish Council on feed the multitudes with five pieces of Cartoonist: Steve Williams, KOCO staff Urban Affairs, Metropolitan Housing bread and two fish. Habitat, he ex­ Development Center plains, starts with the same scarce IN THIS ISSUE Nonprofits start citywide training ...... p.1 An SRO saved in Uptown ...... ' ...... p.1 Jimmy Carter on the West Side ...... p.3 North Shore housing advocates ...... p.3 NYC tenant ownership program explored ...... p.4 Avoiding danger on construction site ...... p.6 And more! ......

WATCH FOR OUR Tenants crowded a hearing called by Aid . Tom Cullerton so they could testify to the need tor a tenants bill of rights. 10TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE! (s to ry on f' · 10)

Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Chicago. IL Permit #937

53 West Jackson Chlcago,llllnols 60604