ILLINOIS AFFORDABLE HOUSING MONTH IS MARCH 2012 please join Housing Action Illinois

Affordable Housing Month is the perfect time for organizations and individuals to raise awareness about affordable housing and homelessness. It is also an opportunity to build momentum for future housing victories through organizing, advocacy and public education activities.

Ideas for Activities

Organize a postcard campaign to advocate for legislation that supports affordable housing

Press outreach, such as Letters to the Editor and editorial board meetings

Film Screenings & Discussions

Get Local Governments to do Affordable Housing Month Proclamations

Community Forums and Congregational Outreach

Legislative/Community Breakfasts

Tour or open house of affordable housing sites and/or areas of great housing need

Exampes of 2011 Activities

. Francis Parker High School, Chicago, March 4th

Students will participate in a service and advocacy project with Cornerstone Community Outreach and Housing Action Illinois.

2. METEC, Peoria, March 12th

2011 Homeowners Fair: A collaboration of lenders, realtors, insurance companies, HUD approved housing counseling agencies, and other mortgage industry leaders will be available to assist prospective and current homeowners. The cost is free, but pre-registration is required.

3. Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living, Springfield, March 15th

Press Conference and Lobby Day in Springfield to oppose Governor Quinn’s proposed budget cuts to services for people with disabilities including the elimination of the community reintegration program.

4. Decatur County Homeless Council, March 17th

Affordable Housing Breakfast to discuss challenges faced by homeless families with children.

5. Will County Continuum of Care, March 28

Annual Open Leadership Meeting with legislative and funding updates from Housing Action Illinois.

6. Housing Action Illinois

Postcard and online petition campaign to oppose Governor Quinn’s proposed cuts to the Emergency & Transitional Housing Program and Homeless Prevention Program.

Advocacy training for housing counseling agencies on March 24th.

7. United Congregations of Metro-East

Writing an Op-Ed article on affordable housing for a local newspaper.

8. Mid Central Community Action Agency

Writing a newsletter article about housing and transportation costs.

9. DuPage Housing Action Coalition

Press outreach to illustrate the impact of the Homeless Prevention Program and DHAC members will advocate for affordable housing during a DuPage County Board meeting.

We Want To Work With You

Housing Action Illinois wants to work with you to plan Affordable Housing Month activities. As Affordable Housing Month approaches, we will distribute a calendar of activities to promote activities throughout the state.

To get more information, please contact Gianna Baker, Outreach Coordinator, at 312-939-6074 x. 110 or gianna@housingactionil.org

For Housing Action Illinois visit: http://www.housingactionil.org/index.html