Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Logan Square Residents Learn About Gentrification in January 2015

Local community organization Somos Logan Square is offered a series of four seminars to inform members of the Logan Square community about gentrification. The events took place January 14-24, 2015, at neighborhood churches.

As reported in the NEIU Independent: "The Case of Who Is Logan Square" (February 1, 2015) covered the series and quoted St. Luke's Logan Square pastor Erik Christensen: "The speakers did a great job today of naming that gentrification is driven by a process of valuation, and that valuation is actually a social construct … Gentrification is at its core driven by an engine that works because it says some people and some neighborhoods are worth more than others."




Logan Square Gentrification Series
January 14th - 24th, 2015events discussing the change happening in our neighborhood

Logan Square Serie de Gentrificacion
14 de enero - 24, 2015: 4 eventos sobre el cambio sucediendo en nuestro barrio


1
Wednesday, January 14th, 2015 . . . . Miércoles, 14 de enero 2015
7:00-8:30 pm

Location // Lugar:
Grace Methodist Church
3325 W. Wrightwood Ave.

The Basics //
los conceptos básicos:
What is gentrification and how does it impact all of us? //
¿Que es la gentrificación y cómo repercute en todos nosotros?


2
Saturday, January 17th, 2015 . . . . Sábado, 17 de enero 2015
12:00-1:30 pm

Location // Lugar:
St. Luke’s Lutheran Church
2649 N. Francisco Ave.

History of Gentrification //
Historia de gentrificación:
Giving historical context to neighborhood change to learn from the past //
Dando un contexto histórico al cambio del vecindario para aprender del pasado.


3
Wednesday, January 21st, 2015 . . . . Miércoles, 21 de enero 2015
7:00-8:30 pm

Location// Lugar:
Grace Methodist Church
3325 W. Wrightwood Ave.

Racism and Classism //
El racismo y el clasismo:
How and why displacment of minorities and poor people happens? //
¿Cómo y por qué sucede el desplazamiento de las minorías y los pobres?


4
Saturday, January 24th, 2015 . . . . Sábado, 24 de enero 2015
12:00-1:30 pm

Location// Lugar:
Humboldt Park United
Methodist Church
2122 N. Mozart St

Affordability saving Diversity //
Asequibilidad diversidad ahorro:
Exploring ways the community can improve while preserving economic and racial diversity //
Explorando las maneras en que la comunidad puede mejorar, preservando la diversidad económica y racial.



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Saturday, December 13, 2014

December 13, 2014: Mary & Joseph to seek shelter at CHA's Lathrop Homes

Chicago Tribune photo:
Elian Morris, 14, and Amary Palmer, 16, portraying
Joseph and Mary, stop in front of a Lathrop apartment
Saturday to symbolize the lack of CHA affordable housing
on the North Side. (Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune)

See more event photos below.
Our event -- LAS POSADAS in support of Public and Affordable Housing at Lathrop Homes -- on December 13 at Lathrop Homes was a huge success!

See the great photo gallery on the Today in Chicago Tumblr page.

Read the press coverage:

Chicago Tribune: "Advocates use biblical tale to cast light on lack of public housing" by Stepanie K. Baer. "'I want to be able to continue living in a place that’s affordable, and I want other people to have that opportunity too,' said longtime Lathrop Homes resident Carol Anderson. 'Everybody needs a place to call home."


Why were we there?

There are more than 750 vacant units here at the Lathrop Homes. Many have been vacant for 10 or 15 years. In 2008, residents pleaded with the Chicago Housing Authority to put 300 units back into service. CHA rejected that proposal, saying it would begin the redevelopment of Lathrop the next year, in 2009. In 2011, 86 families living north of Diversey were “consolidated” with the residents on the south end. Since then, the north end of Lathrop has been a ghost town.

Like Mary and Joseph, families have been turned away from the Lathrop Homes for the last 15 years. In 2000, CHA promised to renovate Lathrop as public housing, starting in 2001. But that rehab never began. And a freeze on all new leasing, imposed in 2000, and was never lifted. The residents who remained here were left in limbo. We were told they could remain here, move to another development or take a Housing Choice Voucher. When we asked what would happen to Lathrop, we were told that plan was “TBD.” Because of that uncertainly, many chose to move out. Today, there are only 150 families here, but we are determined to stay here and plan the future of our community.

The proposed Master Plan for Lathrop calls for 45 percent market-rate development. But the area around this development has experienced plenty of market rate development over the last 25 years, while thousands of low- and moderate income families have been displaced. Because of high rents, very few families are able to use Section 8 or Housing Choice Vouchers in this area. Dedicated public housing units are a precious resource in gentrifying neighborhoods.


The proposed Master Plan for Lathrop would eliminate 525 of Lathrop's 925 public housing units. The CHA has made no written commitment to replace these apartments – anywhere, ever. The Preserve Lathrop campaign demands that CHA include this commitment in the Lathrop Master Plan, and that all of these units be returned on Chicago’s North Side.

The CHA is hoarding hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars that could be housing families. Look at all the vacant units you see here. The CHA receives the same federal funding for each vacant unit that it gets for each occupied unit, year after year. How can this be? In 1998, Mayor Daley negotiated a special de-regulation agreement with the federal government that makes it impossible for HUD to hold the CHA accountable.





The Keeping the Promise Ordinance would create a local accountability mechanism by linking City funding for CHA-related projects to basic performance standards. Three months after the ordinance was introduced, the City Council Housing Committee has yet to schedule a hearing on it. (This despite the fact that the ordinance is already supported by of TWENTY-THREE (23) of the city's fifty alderman!

TAKE ACTION: 

Participants and supporters are encouraged to call 
Alderman Ray Suarez at the 31st Ward Office:
(773) 276-9100. 

Suarez is Chicago’s Vice Mayor and chairman
of the City Council Housing Committee. 

Urge Alderman Suarez to schedule hearings
on the Keeping the Promise Ordinance immediately!


Full photo album and details of the event follow . . . .


Las Posadas procession at Lathrop Homes
Rev. Erik Christensen, pastor at St. Luke's Logan Square,
leads the singing along Clybourne Avenue.
(Photo courtesy Jeff Lucas)


Mary and Joseph lead the procession door to door
at Lathrop Homes, seeking shelter from the cold.
(Photo courtesy Jeff Lucas)


Numerous community leaders joined Las Posadas at Lathrop.
(front l-r) Leslie Willis, Kimball Avenue Church, Delia Ramirez; Humboldt
Park United Methodist; Alderman Joe Moreno, 32nd Ward; Alderman Scott
Waugespack, 1st Ward. (Photographer at rear unidentified.)
(Photo courtesy Jeff Lucas)


Why have so many been left out in the cold?
Rev. Bruce Ray, pastor at Kimball Avenue Church, explains
how doors remain closed to so many at Lathrop Homes
(Photo courtesy Jeff Lucas)


The crowd swells . . .
The procession continued up Leavitt Street, along the Chicago River.
(Photo courtesy Jeff Lucas)


Making the Bethlehem connection
At another of the closed doors of Lathrop Homes, Ellen Ray, , Executive
Director of Center for Changing Lives, asked participants to consider 
the ways many Chicago residents are at the mercy of the Chicago Housing
Authority (CHA): like being under the thumb of Empire.

(Photo courtesy Jeff Lucas)


Walking tall at Lathrop
Exhausted by their search, but still walking tall, Mary and
Joseph lead the final stages of this year's Las Posadas.
(Photo courtesy Jeff Lucas)


All reading from the same music
Las Posadas 2014 at Lathrop Homes began and ended at New
Life Community Church, where participants enjoyed refreshments and
 fellowship, did some focused study and organizing about Chicago's
"Keeping the Promise Ordinance" . . . and had a 
quick refresher on traditional songs for Las Posadas!
(Photo courtesy Jeff Lucas)


MEDIA ADVISORY - For Immediate Release - December 13, 2014

Contact: John McDermott, Logan Square Neighborhood Association, (773) 617-3949

Saturday afternoon procession of church leaders, Lathrop Homes residents will call attention to 'unjust' plan Mary and Joseph to seek shelter at North Side public housing development

Who: Current and former residents of the Lathrop Homes, a low-rise public housing development, along with local religious and community leaders. The Logan Square Ecumenical Alliance is organizing the event in cooperation with Lathrop leaders and the Logan Square Neighborhood Association.

What: Young people dressed as Mary and Joseph will lead a procession through the mostly-vacant development, reenacting the biblical story of Bethlehem, where Mary and Joseph searched for room at an inn before the first Christmas. They will stop at several doors to seek shelter, but at each door they will be turned away, until the final door, where they will be admitted and the community will celebrate.

The procession, called Las Posadas after the Spanish word for "inn," is a pre-Christmas tradition in parts of Latin America. Leaders say Saturday's event will symbolize the plight of Chicago families left in the cold by Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) policies.

When: TODAY - Saturday, December 13 - 2 to 4 pm

Where: Participants will gather at 2 pm at New Life Community Church, 2958 N. Damen (enter on Wellington) The first stop in the procession will occur at about 2:30 pm near 2900 N. Clybourn. (Television crews can meet the procession there.) After a walk of approximately 45 minutes, participants will return to New Life Community Church for a brief program and celebration. (To meet the procession en route, text 773-617-3949.)

Why: As they walk, participants will pass more than 750 vacant units. CHA promised to rehabilitate Lathrop as public housing, beginning in the year 2001. The rehab never started, but a freeze on leasing has remained in place ever since.
Like Mary and Joseph, low- and moderate-income families are being turned away from the Lathrop Homes, organizers said. "For more than a decade, hundreds of units at the Lathrop Homes have been left vacant, instead of being made available to families in need," said Lissette Castaneda, housing co-chair for the Logan Square Neighborhood Association (LSNA). "The proposed plans for Lathrop would compound this injustice by eliminating 525 public housing units with no written commitment to replace them and using 45% of the site for market-rate housing."

Participants will urge Mayor Emanuel and City Council Housing Chair Ald. Ray Suarez (31st) to act this winter to address the issues.

Local Aldermen Joe Moreno (1st) and Scott Waguespack (32nd) will participate in Saturday's event.

En español: Several leaders will speak in Spanish. Residents and community leaders will also be available for interviews in Spanish.

Photos: Photos will be available upon request after the event.

ON FACEBOOK:  LAS POSADAS in support of Public and Affordable Housing at Lathrop Homes

Photos and details of 2013 event: POSADA 2013: Is there room at the inn at the CHA’s Lathrop Homes? 


Related posts

On the heels of a December 10, 2013, community meeting that brought over 400 people out to demand an immediate opening of unused units to people in need of housing, on Saturday a coalition of churches, community organizations, and residents associations will hold a holiday Posada -- a Latin American traditional re-enactment of the search by the parents of Jesus for hospitality -- that does double-duty dramatizing the plight of people left in the cold by Chicago housing policies.

(See POSADA 2013: Is there room at the inn at the CHA’s Lathrop Homes? on the Remedy for Violence website.)


On September 11, 2014, we held a vigil to honor the memory o Mr. Ernesto Garcia -- to afford him the dignity he deserves and allow us all to grieve his death, and also as an opportunity to advocate for the needs of men and women who daily face exposure to harm because of housing insecurity.

(See Public Vigil for Ernesto Garcia )















Here are links to useful information on recent developments with respect to affordable housing in Logan Square.
(See Resource Page: Recent Developments in Affordable Housing in Logan Square

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Looking Ahead: November "Connecting" Event, December Posada

LSEA 2013 Posada Poster
(Art: Andrew Willis)


Our congregations have enjoyed doing numerous events together, including Palm Sunday gatherings for the past three years, a Posada in December 2013, and several events at the Logan Square eagle monument in recent weeks. We feel fulfilled by our shared work, and we want to get to know each other better!

We have now firmed up the following plans:

* December -- We have reserved the afternoon of Saturday, December 13, 2014, for this year's posada observance. (See "POSADA 2013: Is there room at the inn at the CHA’s Lathrop Homes?" for an idea of what we did last year.) Please SAVE THE DATE and get involved with us the planning at upcoming November events (below).

* November -- We've conceived a several-hour gathering on a Saturday, November 22, called "Connecting With Our Neighbors: Uniting Congregations for Social Justice." We will gather at 10:30 a.m. that day at Humboldt Park United Methodist for devotions, conversations, and a meal together.

Approximate event schedule:

10:30 Devotion
11:30 Small group conversations
12:30 Pot Luck Lunch

This "connecting" event is an opportunity for one-on-one interaction, fellowship, and creating a foundation for future action for members of our various congregations. The event is open to anyone who wants to join with people of faith in the Logan Square area to advance social justice. Please join on Facebook and share with friends!

Our next monthly meeting Tuesday, December 2, 12 noon - 2 p.m. (Location: 2401 W North, ALSO office). Please plan to join us to participate in planning . . . and/or get updates by "liking" our Facebook page!


Related posts

On the heels of a December 10, 2013, community meeting that brought over 400 people out to demand an immediate opening of unused units to people in need of housing, on Saturday a coalition of churches, community organizations, and residents associations will hold a holiday Posada -- a Latin American traditional re-enactment of the search by the parents of Jesus for hospitality -- that does double-duty dramatizing the plight of people left in the cold by Chicago housing policies.

(See POSADA 2013: Is there room at the inn at the CHA’s Lathrop Homes? on the Remedy for Violence website.)


On September 11, 2014, we held a vigil to honor the memory o Mr. Ernesto Garcia -- to afford him the dignity he deserves and allow us all to grieve his death, and also as an opportunity to advocate for the needs of men and women who daily face exposure to harm because of housing insecurity.

(See Public Vigil for Ernesto Garcia )












Here are links to useful information on recent developments with respect to affordable housing in Logan Square.
(See Resource Page: Recent Developments in Affordable Housing in Logan Square )

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Tuesday September 23 - "Logan Square for All" Rally


"Rehab the Milshire as Supportive Housing"
"SRO: Support a Rehab Opportunity!"


Delia Ramirez (Humboldt Park United Methodist) and Pastor Erik Christensen
(St. Luke's Lutheran Church Logan Square) speak at the rally for supportive
housing. Community members hold signs that say "Logan Square Para Todos,"
"Logan Square For All," "Rehab the Milshire," and "Support Economic Diversity."


(See more photos in the album
on Facebook.)


Thank you to everyone who contributed to this terrific rally (described in further detail below)!

You help help now by:

* Gathering petition signatures.
* Email Alderman Waguespack to thank him for his support: scott@ward32.org.
* Learn more about the issues. (See fact sheet below.)
* Plan to attend upcoming events. (The City Council Housing Committee is likely to hold a special meeting on the SRO * Preservation Ordinance either Monday, October 6, or Tuesday, October 7. We will post details as soon as known.)

Logan Square for all!

Logan Square para todos!


PRESS LINKS

September 24, 2014 - "Milshire Hotel Focus of Affordable Housing Rally in Logan Square" by Darryl Holliday on DNAinfo Chicago: "[Alderman Scott] Waguespack and organizers of the rally said they support an alternative buyer for the Milshire that has promised to keep the longstanding hotel open to low-income residents. Waguespack said his office is in talks with that nonprofit, Renaissance Social Services Inc., to put together a package that could compete with private developers in a bid for the Milshire."

Septmeber 24, 2014 - "Protesters rally to save Logan Square SRO" by William Camargo in The Chicago Reporter: "'Logan Square for all,' a crowd of 100 protesters chanted. 'Logan Square para todos!' . . . "


LOGAN SQUARE FOR ALL

Rally to rehab the Milshire Hotel SRO
as quality affordable housing!

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 - 6:00 p.m.
Meet at Logan Square Eagle Monument (Kedzie/Milwaukee)
To be followed by march to the hotel, 2525 N. Milwaukee



The City of Chicago is finally taking action to preserve single room occupancy (SRO) buildings, which prevent homelessness. But developer Mark Fishman, who wants to buy the Milshire Hotel, refuses to meet with our community to explain his plans for the building.

Sponsored by:

Logan Square Neighborhood Association
Logan Square EcumenicalAlliance
We Are / Somos Logan Square
Chicago For All
Milshire Tenants Union

For more info, call John at LSNA, (773) 384-4370

Twitter hashtags: #LoganSquareforAll #Milshire


LOGAN SQUARE PARA TODOS

¡Luchamos para renovar el hotel Milshire
como decente vivienda económica!

MARTES, 23 de SEPTIEMBRE 6:00 pm.
Monumento del Águila (la Milwaukee, la Kedzie y la Logan)



La Ciudad de Chicago está accionando para preservar los hoteles residenciales, que impiden que muchas personas están sin hogar. Pero el constructor Mark Fishman, quien quiere comprar el Milshire Hotel, rechaza a reunirse con nosotros para explicar sus planes para el edificio.

Patrocinado por:

Logan Square Neighborhood Association
Logan Square EcumenicalAlliance
We Are / Somos Logan Square
Chicago For All
Milshire Tenants Union


Para más información, llame a John en (773) 384-4370

Twitter hashtags: #LoganSquareforAll #Milshire


FACT SHEET:
The Milshire Hotel, Supportive Housing and the effort to preserve Chicago’s SRO (single room occupancy) building

What’s happening at the Milshire Hotel?

The Milshire Hotel's long-time owner, Art Fischoff, announced his decision to close the hotel, located at 2525 N. Milwaukee, in late April. In early September, 18 Milshire households moved out of the hotel, receiving relocation assistance under a settlement that they negotiated through their tenants union, with help from the Lawyers Committee for Better Housing and several local organizations and leaders. Several tenants who were not part of the settlement are still living in the building.

Developer Mark Fishman still appears poised to buy the Milshire from Fischoff. Fischoff and Fishman have declined to meet with community organizations. Fischoff has also not replied to a letter from Alderman Scott Waguespack.

What is ‘Supportive Housing’? What would it mean for the Milshire?

Supportive housing targets people who are steadily working their way out of homelessness. It combines affordable apartments with on-site social services. In several cases, for-profit SROs have been renovated into non-profit supportive housing. Rehabbing the Milshire as affordable supportive housing would mean converting its 78 small rooms into roughly 35 high-quality apartments, each with its own bathroom. The building would be completely renovated, the quality of management would improve and rents would likely go down, allowing tenants to save more of their incomes. And the Milshire’s location would give its residents excellent access to rapid transit, community services and a wide variety of job opportunities.

Renaissance Social Services, Inc., which manages several buildings in and near Logan Square, is ready to purchase and rehab the Milshire as affordable, supportive housing if the building is put on the market.

Why is the City considering an SRO Preservation Ordinance?

SROs provide an alternative to homelessness for thousands of Chicagoans. But over the last several years, many of these buildings have been lost in conversions to upscale housing. The threat to single-room-occupancy (SRO) buildings like the Milshire was demonstrated earlier this month with the sale of the 66-unit North Hotel, 1622 N. California, to Flats Chicago, which specializes in converting SROs to upscale housing.

In September 2014, Mayor Emanuel reached an agreement with the Chicago For All Campaign and a group of Aldermanic sponsors on a "Single-Room Occupancy (SRO) and Residential Hotel Preservation Ordinance," which the Mayor introduced into City Council on Sept. 10. It's also known as the Chicago For All Ordinance.

The ordinance would require purchasers of SRO buildings to make at least 20 percent of their units affordable to low- or very low-income tenants – or pay a significant fee into a fund for supportive housing development. The City Council is currently considering the ordinance. One this is clear – we’ll need strong leadership by our community and our public officials to ensure that the Milshire is preserved.

Community petition drive (online & in person):

We’re collecting signatures from residents of greater Logan Square to demonstrate the widespread community support for rehabbing the Milshire as 100% quality, affordable supportive housing.

The petition is available online at http://bit.ly/Milshire. If you’d like to gather signatures on paper in your organization, church or school, let us know; we can send you the petition form in English and Spanish.

For more information – or to get involved – contact John at the Logan Square Neighborhood Association (LSNA) - jmcdermott@lsna.net.


Related posts

Logan Square Ecumenical Alliance plans for October, November, and December (2014) will focus on our housing advocacy, culminating with posada events in December.

(See Looking Ahead: Posada Planning for December )














On September 11 we held a vigil to honor the memory o Mr. Ernesto Garcia -- to afford him the dignity he deserves and allow us all to grieve his death, and also as an opportunity to advocate for the needs of men and women who daily face exposure to harm because of housing insecurity.

(See Public Vigil for Ernesto Garcia )












 

Here are links to useful information on recent developments with respect to affordable housing in Logan Square.

(See Resource Page: Recent Developments in Affordable Housing in Logan Square )

Friday, September 5, 2014

Public Vigil for Ernesto Garcia

(Art by Andrew Willis)

On August 30, a homeless man named Ernesto Garcia was beaten to death in the alley behind the 1800 block of N. Ridgeway in Logan Square. We have learned that he was an immigrant from Guatamala who had been in the community for about 10 years and had connected to our community through Center for Changing Lives and area churches. Because he has no family to grieve his death, the Logan Square Ecumenical Alliance has scheduled a public vigil for Mr. Garcia. It is our intent that a vigil will give Mr. Garcia the dignity he deserves and will allow us all to grieve his death. It is also an opportunity to advocate for the needs of men and women who daily face exposure to harm because of housing insecurity.

The vigil for Mr. Garcia will take place at the Logan Square Eagle Monument on Thursday, September 11, starting at 6:30 pm. Please pass this information along to your social networks and organizational contacts.

Bruce Ray
Pastor
Kimball Avenue Church


Vigilia Publica para Sr. Ernesto Garcia: Vecino y Hijo de Dios
(See full photo gallery)

Remarks from: Lissette Castaneda, Center for Changing
Lives
(l) and Tanya Lane, Alliance of Local Service
Organizations (ALSO) (r)


VIGILIA EN MEMORIA DE 
ERNESTO GARCIA

En Agosto 30, Ernesto Garcia, un hombre desamparado fue atacado y golpeado a muerte en el callejón de la cuadra 1900 Norte de Ridgeway en la comunidad de Logan Square. Hemos aprendido que Ernesto quien solo estaba días por cumplir 59 años y imigrante de Guatemala habia vivido en la comunidad por un promedio de diez años. El había conectado con residentes y la comunidad por medio de Center for Changing Lives e iglesias en el area. Ya que Ernesto no tiene familia identificada para compartir en el duelo de su muerte, La Alianza Ecumenica de Logan Square está organizando una vigilia pública en memoria del Señor Ernesto Garcia.

Es nuestra intención que esta vigilia/velorio exprese la dignidad que el Señor Garcia merece y un espacio para juntos compartir en el duelo de su muerte al igual de ser una voz fuerte en abogacía y solidaridad por las necesidades de las mujeres, niños y hombres que diariamente estan expuestos a violencia por falta de vivienda.

La Vigilia de el Señor Garcia se llevara acabo en el monumneto de la Aguila en Logan Square que se encuentra en la Milwaukee y Kedzie este septiembre 11 a las 6:30 de la tarde.

Porfavor pase la informacion y unase a nosotros en este momento tan crucial. La vigilia sera bilingue.


(l-r) Pastor Luiz Munoz, Pastor Eardley Mendis, Delia Ramirez, Pastor
Bruce Ray, Pastor Pastora Paula Cripps-Vallejo, Pastor Erik Christensen.
(See full photo gallery)


Related posts

The City of Chicago is finally taking action to preserve single room occupancy (SRO) buildings, which prevent homelessness. But developer Mark Fishman, who wants to buy the Milshire Hotel, refuses to meet with our community to explain his plans for the building.

(See Tuesday September 23 - "Logan Square for All" Rally)






Logan Square Ecumenical Alliance plans for October, November, and December (2014) will focus on our housing advocacy, culminating with posada events in December.

(See Looking Ahead: Posada Planning for December )


 







Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Meet Sept 9, 16, 30 - Shape Logan Square EL Stop Development



Give voice to your vision for Logan Square!
Participate in a three-part workshop: 
Sept. 9 • Sept. 16 • Sept. 30, 2014

Please join us for this unique opportunity to plan an important development for Logan Square!

Influence the re-use of the bus terminal, parking lot and plaza around the Logan Square Blue Line entrance at the northwest corner of Milwaukee and Kedzie Avenues.

Work with fellow community members and a team of development professionals to create specific, realistic, community-based proposals.

Each meeting builds on the one before, so we strongly encourage you to attend all three.

All meetings are from 6 to 8 p.m.


Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2014
Tuesday, Sept. 16
Tuesday, Sept. 30

Hairpin Arts Center
2810 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Hosted by the Metropolitan Planning Council 
and the office of Ald. Rey Colón (35th Ward).


Preliminary survey:

I’d like to see more ________ in Logan Square

A Open space
B Arts and art centers
C Affordable housing
D Entertainment venues
E Grocery options

Text the letter of your top choice to (773) 340-4232.


# # # # # # # #



¡Dale voz a tu visión para Logan Square!
Participa en una serie de talleres: 
9, 16 y 30 de septiembre, 2014

¡Le pedimos que por favor participe y de su opinión, la cual puede influenciar un desarrollo importante para Logan Square!

Sé parte del equipo que influye el desarrollo del terminal de autobuses, el estacionamiento y la plaza al lado de la estación CTA Blue Line (Línea Azul) de Logan Square.

Trabajarás con vecinos y un equipo de expertos para formar propuestas comunitarias que son especificas y realistas.

Cada taller tiene objeto único, así que se recomienda asistir a los tres.

Los talleres son desde las 6 a las 8 de la tarde.

Martes, 9 de septiembre, 2014
Martes, 16 de septiembre
Martes, 30 de septiembre

Hairpin Arts Center
2810 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Organizado por el Metropolitan Planning Council
y la oficina de Ald. Rey Colón (35th Ward).



Me gustaría ver más ________ en Logan Square.

A Espacios abiertos
B Arte y centros de arte
C Viviendas accesibles
D Locales de entretenimiento
E Mercados

Textea la letra de su mejor idea para este sitio a (773) 496-4823

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Logan Square Good News - August, 2014: Housing, Climate, and New Participants!

The Logan Square Ecumenical Alliance held its monthly meeting today -- August 5, 2014.

(1)  We were pleased to welcome the Rev. Paula Cripps-Vallejo from Humboldt Park United Methodist, who was accompanied by HPUM member and colleague Delia Ramirez.  To learn about Rev. Cripps-Vallejo, see the recent profile on the LSEA website.

(2) The Rev. Dr. Terry Gallagher of the Climate Reality Project is available to come give a slide presentation at area congregations. The Climate Reality Project is an effort to raise awareness about the risks climate change poses to our planet and our communities. The project is based around presentations that are given by volunteers which offer clear, non-partisan information about the ways that climate change will impact us as human beings. From extreme weather to rising sea levels, the dangers posed by climate change are substantial and are already being felt on every continent. However, these presentations also focus on the opportunities we have to protect one another, as well as future generations, by acting quickly to address the causes of climate change. As parents, grandparents, neighbors, community members and parishioners we have a responsibility to care for one another and that involves preserving the delicate natural balances our society depends on.  These presentations can be adjusted to any audience or length of time. (Contact Terry at terrenceggallagher@hotmail.com .)

(3) "LOGAN SQUARE FOR ALL" Housing Justice action: An action related to development of the Milshire SRO is scheduled for Thursday, August 21 at 6:00 p.m. See separate listing for full event details.


The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 9, at 1:00 p.m. at ALSO (2401 W. North).






Monday, July 14, 2014

Logan Square Welcomes the Rev. Paula Cripps-Vallejo!

Rev. Paula Cripps-Vallejo is the new Lead Pastor of Humboldt Park United Methodist church, and is an ordained United Methodist clergywoman. Paula received her Master of Divinity from Claremont School of Theology (located right outside Los Angeles, California) and has served local churches as well as being assigned as an inter-faith community organizer for economic justice and immigrants’ rights with Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice in California. Born and raised in Sioux City, Iowa she loves being in Chicago for this part of her journey.

An avid believer that we should see the world the way that God sees the world, Paula has little respect for borders and policies that keep families and loved ones apart. Growing up, one of her most formative experiences is that she spent many weeks each year on the border of Mexico/Texas with her grandparents’ mission “Casa Y Mas” to build homes and be transformed by the community of God’s people in Nuevo Progreso, Mexico. Paula is blessed to be married to her wonderful husband, Santos Cripps-Vallejo, Jr., who is a Humboldt Park (Chicago) native of Dominican and Puerto Rican heritage. Though Paula still tries to use “Mexican Spanish” at home, they often enjoy “habichuelas guisadas” together! Paula and Santos are blessed to have one beautiful daughter who is two years old, and a black lab mix dog.

Rev. Paula Cripps-Vallejo truly believes that “El pueblo unido jamás será vencido” (Translation: “The people united will never be defeated”) and feels that being a part of a faith community is one of the most important and powerful ways that God works to make the kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. She is excited to be a part of the ministry of HPUMC, and the Logan Square Ecumenical Alliance, and trusts that when we unite our hearts and minds to live for God and unite our voices and actions to make God’s kingdom come that there is a God-sized revolution overflowing with grace, peace and justice!

Paula can be contacted via email at revpaulacrippsvallejo@gmail.com, found on Facebook at Pastora Paula Cripps-Vallejo or reached via phone at 773-342-0441.

Monday, June 23, 2014

SAVE THE DATE: Rev. Pinkney at FIrst Lutheran July 11!

What: Speech and Rally by Rev. Edward Pinkney
Where: First Lutheran Church, 3500 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago 60647
When: Friday, July 11, 6:30 p.m.

Join the Facebook event and invite friends!

Contact: Andrew Willis, 773-680-7627, lesandy@ameritech.net




Persecuted Michigan Faith Leader and Activist to Make a Rare Appearance in Chicago
Despite House Arrest and Pending Trial, Rev. Pinkney to Speak Here

In Benton Harbor, the residents recently managed to recall a mayor they felt was working against their interests, and for the interests of local corporations. The response was swift: the state took control of the city, and prosecutors pressed charges against the leader of the recall effort.

Despite being under house arrest and facing trial in July on trumped-up "voter fraud" charges, Rev. Pinkney will be in Chicago on July 11 to help lead a discussion of what is happening in Benton Harbor and how it relates to developments in Chicago and the rest of the country.

According to John Anthony La Pietra, Elections Coordinator, Green Party of Michigan, “For over a decade, Rev. Pinkney has devoted time and energy to helping individual citizens have a voice in their government and their lives — in Benton Harbor, across Michigan, and around the country."

Faith leaders and activists for racial and economic justice around the country have been following the struggle of people in Benton Harbor, MI. Despite the express wishes of the residents, reflected in a recall election, corporations, developers, and neighboring municipalities have conspired to control the city of Benton Harbor. "They were shocked when the recall went through. Michigan is a test ground. If they see how easy it is to get us, it will soon be coming your way,” said Patsy Heinz, a Benton Harbor resident.

Join the Facebook event and invite friends! 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

http://peoplestribune.org/pt-news/2014/06/fighting-the-corporate-dictatorship-in-michigan-2/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBzkuiD6LD0

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Report - Discussions at LSEA June 10, 2014, Meeting

We had an excellent meeting on Tuesday, June 10. See below for key points, and please mark your calendars for our next meeting: August 5, 2014 at ALSO (2401 W. North).


(1) Inclusive and Affirming Ministry for LGBTI People in Africa

Pastor Erik Christensen from St. Luke's Logan Square shared information about a series of events taking place in the next several days relating to human rights for LGBTI people in Africa. The events start Friday afternoon with Judith Kotzé and Ingrid Schoonraad from Inclusive & Affirming Ministries (IAM) South Africa joining in conversation and reflection on the theological resources for the work of LGBTI liberation in Africa. They will consider the intersections of North American liberation theology and South African post-apartheid theology, as they inspire, encourage, and challenge the work of solidarity and liberation for LGBTI people.

Full details of Friday event, plus more on Saturday and Sunday: June 13-15, 2014 - LGBTI Solidarity in Africa Weekend, including special Sunday worship at St. Luke's.

(2) Deferred Action of Childhood Arrivals (DACA) renewal process

Immigration attorney Christopher Elmore -- who is a member at St. Luke's Logan Square, and who volunteers with the Justice for Our Neighbors (JFON) program at Humboldt Park United Methodist -- gave a brief introduction to DACA.

DACA is a discretionary policy that began in 2012 that allows eligible undocumented individuals to temporarily remain in the United States. Individuals who benefit from DACA must renew their deferred action every two years. The first opportunity for renewal begins this summer and it is very important that DACA recipients submit their renewal documentation before their initial 2-year DACA term expires.

Next step: A full presentation on DACA and the renewal process is being scheduled for the very near future - to be held at Nuestra Señora de las Americas at the corner of Logan Boulevard and Francisco. The entire community is invited and an announcement will be emailed.

You may also contact Mr. Elmore directly at christopher@celmorelaw.com.

(3) Concern about police-community relations

An incident was discussed that led us to consider the need to be more attentitve with how police officers are engaging with people in the community, particularly with young people.

Next step: (a) Clergy members of LSEA will connect with others who are active with the local police district clergy council. (b) A "know your rights" training for youth is being scheduled - to be held at ALSO. Further details will be emailed.

(4) Upcoming Event: SCUPE Congress June 23-26

Pastor Bruce Ray of Kimball Avenue Church will be speaking at the Seminary Consortium for Urban Pastoral Education (SCUPE) Congress from June 23-25 at De Paul University. More info at: www.congressonurbanministry.org

(5) Support for activist clergy in Benton Harbor

The case of activist pastor Rev. Edward Pinkney in Benton Harbor was brought to our attention. Press coverage from the People's Tribune and Rachel Maddow describes the fact that this pastor is being prosecuted for his activism on behalf of the poor in Benton Harbor, and faces court proceedings in July.

Next step: Andy Willis of Kimball Avenue Church is scheduled a solidarity event, at which Rev. Pinkney will speak here in Chicago: July 11, 6:30 p.m., First Lutheran.

(6) Looking ahead to fall: "Labor in the Pulpit"

We were reminded that many area churches will invite labor movement representatives to speak on labor day weekend.  Contact Luke Sullivan at ARISE Chicago luke[at]arisechicago[dot]org for help arranging speakers.

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Next meeting: Tuesday, August 5, 2014 -- ALSO - 2401 W North Avenue in Chicago.

We meet at 1:00 p.m.  (If interested, please come early and join us over a brown-bag lunch for informal discussion at noon.)

We will have a focused discussion on housing issues in the neighborhood. Additional topics for the meeting will be added to this post closer to the time of the meeting.

Thanks!

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Resource Page: Recent Developments in Affordable Housing in Logan Square

LSEA continues to focus on developments in Logan Square related to affordable housing.

We are assembling links to useful information on recent developments with respect to affordable housing in Logan Square.

If you have additional useful links, please add them as a comment!



General

Logan Square Neighborhood Association (LSNA): Affordable Housing (Campaigns and Resources)


Milshire Hotel

Tuesday September 23 - "Logan Square for All" Rally


Lathrop Homes

June 12, 2014, Chicago Reader, "The fight to preserve a model public housing project" by Maya Dukmasova


Logan Square Ecumenical Alliance: "POSADA 2013: Is there room at the inn at the CHA’s Lathrop Homes?"


Chicago Housing Authority (CHA)

"Community Feedback on the Five Year Housing Plan from St. Luke’s Lutheran Church of Logan Square"




Related posts

Looking Ahead: Posada Planning for December 2014


Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Save the Date: Walk for Peace June 7, 2014



19th Annual Walk for Peace

YOUR LIFE IS MY LIFE

ending violence starts with me 


June 7, 2014


Location: Funston Elementary School

2010 N Central Park, Ave, Chicago, IL 60647


For more information



Monday, February 3, 2014

What do we want? SALVATION! When do we want it? NOW!

On Palm Sunday (April 13, 2014) the Logan Square Ecumenical Alliance (LSEA) hosted its 3rd annual public witness at the Logan Square monument from 12pm—1pm. As in previous years, we gathered to celebrate the very public and political nature of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and his call to people of faith to resist the values of empire and seek instead “the kingdom of heaven.”

Check out the full picture gallery below!

LSEA congregations processed from their respective houses of worship carrying palm branches, for an opportunity to stand together to listen to our neighbors and dream together about God’s preferred future for our community.



Building on the success of our December 2013 “Posada for Public Housing,” we focused on issues of housing in Logan Square as we heard testimony from people experiencing eviction and foreclosure and campaigning for quality, affordable public housing. We considered faithful responses to our neighbors' needs, and provided opportunities to get directly involved.

Thank you for all of your continued support of the Logan Square Ecumenical Alliance!

Special thanks to Andrew Willis for poster art;
New Level Sound for technical support;
and FJJ for photography!

Please "like" us on Facebook so we can keep you posted about upcoming LSEA activities.

















Photos: Courtesy FJJ.


Related posts

Think back on everything that has happened in the last year. Is it time for things to quiet down? To have a "nice" spring? To sit back and be entertained by the usual presidential campaign circus?

(See Occupy Palm Sunday in 2016)




Palm Sunday 2012:
Occupy Palm Sunday!
Palm Sunday 2013:
Remedy for Violence

Poster Art: Andrew Willis


I've been thinking about the Occupy movement and what it has to do with Christian witness. The conclusion I've come to is: a lot! In fact, I think it's central to our understanding of what Christ's life and death meant.

(See Occupy Palm Sunday! )