Work begins on SW Side affordable housing development: 'An essential part of this community

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — An empty lot on Chicago's Far Southwest Side will soon be the site of new townhomes built by Habitat for Humanity.

Local leaders gathered near the intersection of West 115th Street and South Halsted Street on Monday to break ground for the new, 20-unit townhome development. Among the speakers was Ald. Robert Mosely (21st), who said affordable housing must keep pace with other economic growth in the neighborhood.

“We are going to see over $1 billion in just the next four to eight years,” he said. “How do we have that development without displacement? We have to have housing security.”

This development, Moseley said, would provide the chance for residents to become homeowners who “won’t be pushed out by higher rents that are to come.”

“This is an essential part of this community,” Mosely said.

To qualify for a Habitat for Humanity home in Chicago, residents must: have a need for affordable housing, be able to pay the mortgage and be willing to live in one of the neighborhoods where Habitat operates. Currently, Habitat for Humanity operates in West Pullman, Greater Grand Crossing and Austin.

Residents must also work to help build the home.

Lybia Hollins lives in the neighborhood in a home already built by Habitat for Humanity.

“Instead of you paying for somebody else’s property, you’ll be paying for your own — for yourself and your children, and their future,” Hollis said.

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