West Side Residents Decry ‘Deplorable’ CHA Housing Conditions
Residents of the Harrison Courts Apartments on Chicago’s West Side are speaking out against what they describe as “deplorable” living conditions. Years of frustration over issues ranging from visible mold to persistent pest problems have led to calls for immediate action from the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) and city leaders.
The Plight of Harrison Courts Residents
Javan Clayton, a resident for just over a year, shares a common experience: a freshly painted unit that quickly deteriorated. “When I moved in, they painted it up. But as the months was going down, everything was falling apart, and the mold around the bathroom, the tub… windows,” she said. The sentiment is echoed by Rev. Robin Hood, who points to widespread issues like rats, roaches, and leaking roofs affecting the majority of the 122 units in the seven-story buildings. “It’s not right, they have to fix this, you can’t allow people to live like this,” Hood stated, emphasizing the constant illness residents are reportedly experiencing.
CHA’s Challenges and Future Plans
The Chicago Housing Authority announced plans in May to sell the Harrison Courts units. The complex operates under a special contract with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which restricts how CHA can use federal housing dollars for necessary repairs and redevelopment. Essentially, CHA claims limited funds are available to fix the ongoing problems. However, residents are left wondering what happens in the interim, as Rev. Hood questions, “CHA, if they sold this property, it will be two to three years. Nobody is crazy who’s going to buy a building like this in these conditions.” This leaves residents like Clayton feeling “stuck in this raggedy apartment still.”
Community Demands and Advocacy
Rev. Robin Hood and the residents are demanding accountability and immediate improvements. They are calling on CHA leaders and Mayor Brandon Johnson to intervene. Hood warns of escalating actions if their concerns continue to be ignored, stating, “If we have to get them lawyers, we gonna get them lawyers. If we have to sue and protest for weeks, I don’t mind doing it because this is unacceptable.” Residents desire either significant repairs to make their units livable or temporary relocation until the issues are resolved.
Chicago Housing Authority’s Official Statement
The Chicago Housing Authority provided a statement acknowledging resident concerns:
“We want to assure residents that we are listening to their concerns.This summer we released the first resident survey in recent memory so that we can better understand what’s working and what’s not working for our residents. We will be reviewing the results of this survey soon, as well as discussing with resident leadership. We have also increased staffing in our Property and Asset Management Team to provide better oversight of our third-party property managers.”
Comparing Perspectives
| Resident’s Experience/Demands | CHA’s Stated Position/Action |
|---|---|
| Living in “deplorable conditions” (mold, pests, leaks, bad plumbing). | Acknowledges concerns, cites limited funds due to HUD contract. |
| Desire for immediate repairs or relocation. | Plan to sell the property, a process that could take 2-3 years. |
| Feeling ignored and desperate for intervention. | Increased staffing in Property Management, launched resident survey. |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the specific housing complex affected?
The Harrison Courts Apartments on Chicago’s West Side. - What are the main issues residents are reporting?
Residents report visible mold, bad plumbing, rats, roaches, and leaking roofs. - What is the Chicago Housing Authority’s long-term plan for the property?
CHA plans to place the units up for sale, a process they estimate could take 2-3 years. - Why can’t CHA fix the issues immediately?
CHA states that a special contract with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) places restrictions on how federal housing dollars can be used for repairs and redevelopment, limiting available funds. - Who is advocating on behalf of the residents?
Rev. Robin Hood is actively supporting the residents and calling on CHA leaders and Mayor Brandon Johnson for intervention.
As residents of Harrison Courts continue to navigate these challenging living conditions, the coming weeks will reveal whether their calls for action lead to concrete changes or further delays. It’s a critical moment for affordable housing advocacy in Chicago, highlighting the ongoing need for transparency and accountability from housing authorities.
West Side residents decry deplorable CHA homes
