By: Ashmar Mandou

The Spanish Coalition for Housing (SCH), a partner of the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA)’s Community Alliance, is once again pulling their resources together to offer seniors and caregivers free educational workshops in the Belmont Cragin, Gage Park, East Side, and New City neighborhoods. SCH has assisted many families in the past including 73-year old Angelica Garcia who moved into the home of her dreams. “I received a letter in the mail stating I was approved to move into the Wicker Park Apartments. I was so happy I couldn’t believe it finally came true,” said Garcia. “It was a long wait, but getting the home I wanted was worth it. Thanks to Spanish Coalition for Housing the application process was easy.” Garcia, 73, is originally from Mexico and is a single, retired mother with one son. She moved to Chicago 45 years ago and has worked for factories most of her life.

Highly skilled bilingual coordinators will explain what documentation is needed, the waiting process, and how to fill out the new online-only application using computers. Through this process. “SCH is here to help seniors like Ms. Garcia, access valuable information and resources that support their affordable housing needs. Through the Community Alliance program, we are here to help seniors gain information, know their options and navigate CHA’s senior housing application process”, said Lydia Rodriguez, SCH-CHA Community Alliance Coordinator. The next workshops available are:

• June 1, 2018 – 10:30 am, Chicago Public Library, 3710 E. 106th Street (East Side)

• June 7, 2018 – 4:00 pm, Chicago Public Library, 2807 W. 55th Street (Gage Park)

• June 7, 2018- 3:00 pm, West Belmont Public Library, 3104 N. Narragansett Avenue (Belmont Cragin)

• June 11, 2018- 1:00 pm, Kelvyn Park Satellite Senior Center, 2715 N. Cicero Avenue (Belmont Cragin)

• June 13, 2018- 11:30 am and 12:30 pm, Chicago Public Library, 2807 W. 55th Street (Gage Park)

• June 13, 2018- 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm, Chicago Public Library, 5440 S. Racine Ave Chicago IL 60609 (New City)

For a complete list of available workshops in your neighborhood visit http://sc4housing.org/cha-community-alliance/ or call Spanish Coalition for Housing offices: north location (773-342-7575), south location (312-850-2660) and southeast location at 773-933-7575. For individuals who would like to apply for senior housing on their own, they can visit https://applyonline.thecha.org.