CHA tenants at Harrison Courts Apartments in East Garfield Park are fed up with the squalid conditions in their homes. Leaky toilets, broken stoves, and cockroach infestations have made living conditions unbearable for many residents.
Jimmy Murray, a 37-year-old tenant, said he's had enough of asking the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) to make repairs. The lack of action has led to health problems, including mold and respiratory issues from poor ventilation. "It's like a holding cell at 26th and California," Murray said, comparing his apartment to a jail cell.
Murray is not alone in his frustration. Angel Tingle, another tenant, has been living in the complex since 2009. She lists numerous problems, including mold, lack of heat, and people defecating in hallways. "We don't have the proper security to feel safe and secure in our own homes," Tingle said.
The Chicago Housing Authority acknowledges the need for repairs but says it's limited by funding. A spokesperson for Mayor Johnson declined to comment on what the city can do immediately to aid tenants.
Rev. Robin Hood, a community organizer, is calling for $10 million in repairs and another $10 million for economic development to support businesses in the area. "For several years now, residents in this building have been complaining about the horrific conditions," Hood said. The group plans to deliver a letter listing their demands to Mayor Johnson's office.
The complex is considered an affordable housing development with 122 units, but it has been plagued by issues for years. Residents say they deserve better living conditions and safer homes.
Jimmy Murray, a 37-year-old tenant, said he's had enough of asking the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) to make repairs. The lack of action has led to health problems, including mold and respiratory issues from poor ventilation. "It's like a holding cell at 26th and California," Murray said, comparing his apartment to a jail cell.
Murray is not alone in his frustration. Angel Tingle, another tenant, has been living in the complex since 2009. She lists numerous problems, including mold, lack of heat, and people defecating in hallways. "We don't have the proper security to feel safe and secure in our own homes," Tingle said.
The Chicago Housing Authority acknowledges the need for repairs but says it's limited by funding. A spokesperson for Mayor Johnson declined to comment on what the city can do immediately to aid tenants.
Rev. Robin Hood, a community organizer, is calling for $10 million in repairs and another $10 million for economic development to support businesses in the area. "For several years now, residents in this building have been complaining about the horrific conditions," Hood said. The group plans to deliver a letter listing their demands to Mayor Johnson's office.
The complex is considered an affordable housing development with 122 units, but it has been plagued by issues for years. Residents say they deserve better living conditions and safer homes.
I feel so sorry for these people living in squalid conditions 
. It's like they're paying to suffer 
. You know what the problem is? Lack of communication and empathy 
. The CHA needs to listen more and act faster, not just blame it on funding 
. We need to put our money where our mouth is 
. If we want to support affordable housing, we gotta be willing to invest in it 
. It's time for the community to come together and demand change 
. And let's not forget, our health and well-being are worth more than a broken stove or leaky toilet 
. We deserve better, especially from the people who are supposed to protect us 
.
I'm literally fuming about this! Like, how can you have 122 apartments and still manage to neglect basic repairs? It's not like people are asking for the moon here, just some decent working toilets and stoves, right? And cockroaches?! Ugh, gross 
. I feel so bad for these tenants, they're basically living in squalor. Like, what even is the point of affordable housing if you can't keep it clean and safe?
. I mean, you'd think that with all the money being thrown around for fancy new developments in other parts of town, someone would be able to scrape together a little more funding for places like this.
. $10 million for repairs is not too much to ask, especially considering how long these residents have been suffering. It's about time someone started listening to their pleas 
.
It's crazy to think that people have been living in these squalid conditions for years and still no real action from the CHA... I mean, $10 million for repairs is a lot of money but it's not like they're asking for the moon 
. What's even more shocking is that residents are having to deal with health problems because of it, including mold and respiratory issues. It's like the city is just ignoring them. 
The community organizer is right though, something needs to be done ASAP... how many more people have to suffer before the city listens? 
That could be a great way to build community and take control of their own living spaces. Maybe we can even share our own experiences and tips on how to fix common problems in homes...
The lack of action is basically a slap in the face. I think Rev. Hood's demands are reasonable – who wouldn't want safe and secure homes? 
I'm so worried about these tenants at Harrison Courts Apartments... how can you live in a place that's basically a health hazard? 
But seriously, it's not just about throwing money at the problem, we need to address the root causes of these issues... lack of funding for CHA, inefficient bureaucracy... something needs to change here. 
tenants r goin thru so much 4 broken stoves n leaky toilets its like a health hazard over here 
stats alert! 
but seriously, how do people even survive like this?
.
. These residents deserve better and someone needs to listen to them! 
the city is saying they don't have enough funding but I think that's just an excuse. we need to hold them accountable for providing safe and decent housing for all residents 
. can't the chicago housing authority just get their act together? i mean, $10 million for repairs and economic development sounds like a lot of money, but what's taking so long to fix these issues?
. people shouldn't have to be worried about being defecated in hallways because they can't afford better living conditions. it's just not right.
. These residents deserve better than to feel like they're living in some kind of squalid nightmare. They need a safe and healthy place to call home, and that's not just a matter of charity, it's basic human rights 
.
it's not just about the housing authority, it's about the city doing its job to ensure ppl have safe & decent homes 
. And you know what the worst part is? It's not just a matter of money, CHA has been receiving over $1.4 million in annual funding since 2015 
.