During pilot phase, support will be offered to residents in apartments owned by Gary Carlson
The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) has unveiled a pilot program to aid Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) holders who must relocate from problematic apartments.
Under this initiative, eligible voucher holders residing in Gary Carlson’s properties, which have been flagged for significant life/safety violations and are facing housing court proceedings by the City of Chicago’s Department of Law, can receive grants of up to $1,500 per household.
CHA has obtained approval from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to allocate funds for moving assistance beginning in 2023. CHA intends to extend the program in 2024 to help all voucher holders living in troubled buildings who must move.
Back in 2021, CHA took action against Carlson by adding him to its Do Not Lease list. Consequently, he was suspended from accepting any new Housing Choice Voucher tenants from CHA until at least March 31, 2025.
While this designation didn’t nullify all existing voucher contracts with Carlson, it did prompt the identification of 132 families living in apartments deemed unsafe for occupancy. As a result of court actions, these families are now obligated to find alternative housing options.
Despite numerous attempts made in the past year to persuade Carlson to rectify the safety issues in his apartments, these efforts have proven unsuccessful. Adding to his troubles, since 2021, Carlson has also been listed on the City of Chicago’s Building Code Scofflaw List.
CHA swiftly accelerated the implementation of the new program following discussions with the Fair Tenants Union, an organization representing tenants from Carlson’s buildings. The Fair Tenants Union is a coalition of the Metropolitan Tenants Organization, Autonomous Tenants Union, and the Law Center for Better Housing, all working collectively to advocate for tenants’ rights and welfare.
“The health and safety of families who live in subsidized and public housing is CHA’s top priority. We understand requiring a family to move places a burden on them that is no fault of their own. However, by repeatedly failing to maintain safe living conditions for these residents, Mr. Carlson has left CHA with no choice,” said CHA CEO Tracey Scott. “By collaborating with organizations that represent these residents, we have been able to identify a solution to help support these families during this challenging time.”
The grant covers various eligible moving expenses such as security deposits, move-in fees, and related moving services. CHA’s Housing Choice Voucher program specialists are proactively contacting all eligible families to inform them about the grant. The administration of the grant will be handled by CHA’s mobility counseling partner, Housing Choice Partners. Besides the financial assistance, participants can benefit from CHA’s mobility counseling program, which includes counseling services and support for their housing search process.
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