We believe that making housing available to people of all incomes and backgrounds makes the northern suburbs a better place to live.

We work with local and regional coalitions to advance fair housing programs, policies and legislation. We conduct public education programs to promote understanding and support for fair housing. We even facilitate bricks-and-mortar developments that create housing for low-income households.

Why is Advocacy Needed?

We've made significant progress, but advocacy for fair and affordable housing continues to be important for many reasons:

• First, get educated! Who needs affordable housing? What is affordable housing? Interfaith has fact sheets ("What Is Affordable Housing?" and "Myths and Facts about Affordable Housing") and a PowerPoint presentation to help you and to teach others.
• The area’s need for affordable housing has become critical. Prices have skyrocketed to the point that many long-time residents could not afford to buy their own homes today. Link to our community fact sheets here.
• Local workers need housing near their jobs. In the “Edens Expressway corridor,” more than 8,500 businesses employ 124,000 people—more employers than in downtown Dallas. Link to Jobs/Housing Mismatch.
• Segregation remains a challenge in many areas. Outside Evanston, African-Americans make up only 1 percent of the total population in the northern suburbs. The general population remains 80 percent white. Advocacy makes change happen. When local officials know that residents support fair and affordable housing, they’re more likely to support it too.
• Support Legislation: Share information with others about current legislation that promotes fair and affordable housing.

Full-Page Fair Housing Ad a Success!
In honor of the 40th anniversary of the federal Fair Housing Act, and in recognition of the importance of "on the ground," grassroots and widespread support for an inclusive, diverse, and non-discriminatory community, the Interfaith Housing Center published a full-page signature ad in the Pioneer Press on May 1, 2008 expressing broad based support for fair housing. 566 individuals who live or work in Chicago's northern suburbs, congregations, and organizations signed on to this important declaration of support for a fair, open, and affordable region. For more information, please contact Gail, (847) 501-5760, or e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

^New! WHAT IS SECTION 8?
** One of the most frequently asked questions about affordable housing is, "What is Section 8?" Interfaith provides a simple fact sheet, on The Housing Choice Voucher Program, to provide a succinct overview. Currently, there is no funding for new vouchers. Demand by low-income families for these portable housing vouchers far exceeds supply.

For more information, contact Brendan Saunders at (847) 501-5760, ext. 402, or e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

^New! DOES AFFORDABLE HOUSING LOWER PROPERTY VALUES?
** One of the most frequently asked questions about affordable housing is, "Will affordable housing lower my property values?" Interfaith provides a simple fact sheet, on Common Myths About Affordable Housing. For more information, contact Brendan Saunders at (847) 501-5760, ext. 402, or e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it