Each year, I eagerly await the arrival of April — a month that not only signals the beginning of spring weather after a long winter, but also marks the start of Fair Housing Month, a celebration dear to my heart. To me, Fair Housing Month is a reminder of how far we’ve come in the fight for housing justice, and the work still needed to achieve equitable housing in Chicago and beyond.
Fifty-five years after the passage of the Fair Housing Act, 4 million instances of housing discrimination still occur every year, and the vast majority go unreported, according to the National Fair Housing Alliance. Systemic racism, homophobia, and classism have allowed housing discrimination to persist in subtle, and, sometimes, blatant, forms in Chicago and across the U.S. Families and individuals are still denied rental housing because of their race and income. Resources and funding continue to pour into primarily white neighborhoods, while primarily Black neighborhoods face higher rates of eviction and housing unaffordability. Landlords refuse to make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities. The list goes on.
At LCBH, we listen to and advocate on behalf of renters who have experienced housing discrimination, and advance policies that protect renters from further prejudice and promote housing affordability. We are committed to identifying forms of housing discrimination and rooting out the systems that allow them to continue. That’s why we take cases like “Hannah’s.”
Last summer, Hannah contracted COVID-19 leaving her unable to work. Without a steady income, she fell behind on rent for the first time. Soon after, Hannah’s landlord filed an eviction against her, stating she needed to pay her back rent or move out. Hannah attempted to come current on her rent by applying for emergency rental assistance (ERA). In January, at Hannah’s first court date, LCBH Attorney Rachel Pollak helped her apply for court-based ERA as well. Still, Hannah’s landlord refused to accept payment from any of these rental assistance programs and stop the eviction.
Because Hannah’s landlord refused to take any rental assistance, which she used as a source of income to maintain her housing, Rachel filed a Source of Income Discrimination lawsuit against him. This is a fair housing protection only gained in Illinois in 2022 thanks to advocacy by a coalition of housing justice allies including LCBH. Hannah’s landlord quickly reversed his stance on rental assistance, agreeing to accept her back rent, dismiss the case, and seal her eviction record.
Having thoughtful and highly skilled attorneys can make all the difference when a renter is facing a serious housing issue. In Hannah’s case, had Rachel not filed the Source of Income Discrimination lawsuit against the landlord, Hannah, and her family, may have experienced homelessness. That’s why we will continue fighting for renters’ rights to safe, secure, and stable housing inside and outside of eviction court.
Hear Rachel reflect on the importance of this case here.
As April draws to a close, the celebration doesn’t have to stop! You’re invited to join me and a panel of housing experts to learn more about the state of eviction court in Chicago on July 18th, 2023 from 9:00-10:30 a.m. at Impact House (200 W. Madison St.). Hear how we’re working with our partners to transform eviction court, increase access to Emergency Rental Assistance, and ensure all eligible renters have attorneys to represent them. Stay tuned for more information soon!