Our work representing women renters, who face eviction at disproportionate rates, would not be possible without the steadfast support of our women-led funders, like the Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW). In celebration of Women’s History Month, we sat down with LCBH Supervising Attorney, Victoria Ogunsanya, to discuss her work, which is supported by CFW, and the importance of supporting women renters.
1. What is the Chicago Foundation for Women? How do they support your work at LCBH? Chicago Foundation for Women strive to create a world where all women, girls, trans, and gender nonbinary people have the opportunity to thrive in safe, just and healthy communities. They support our work with women renters throughout Chicago by funding legal representation and outreach. They also help us connect women with a wide range of housing stabilization resources through their networks.
2. Is there a story that comes to mind that highlights the impact CFW has had on our clients? Through our connection to CFW’s resource network, we can easily and simply connect women with helpful resources. Oftentimes the women are pleasantly surprised that these resources are available to them, such as employment training, affordable furniture, financial literacy trainings, services for those impacted by domestic violence, and mental health services. Even though they are not directly related to housing, all these resources are powerful tools for housing stabilization. On the other hand, we have also received referrals from the partner agencies and have been able to help tenants solve their housing problems and exercise their renters’ rights.
3. Why are partnerships with agencies that center women important to our work? Partnerships with agencies like CFW are so very important to our work because our clients are often facing various challenges, and this partnership provides the needed support to more easily navigate their situations. Also, it lets our clients know that we are focused on helping them achieve their overall goals, by making sure they are aware of available resources and have access to them. When we are able to connect a client with an agency that, for example, increases their income, the client can then more easily secure housing and avoid the risks of homelessness, and in that case, we are better able to help the client reach their housing goals.