A Push For Federal Rent Relief, Affordable Housing In Illinois

Illinois renters must earn more than twice the state’s minimum wage to afford modest housing, according to a new national report.

By Stephanie Kim
A Push For Federal Rent Relief, Affordable Housing In Illinois
A rent sign is seen at a building in Winnetka, Ill.,Tuesday, June 23, 2020. Illinois Governor J.B Pritzker announced a package of state grant programs that will help support communities and businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and unrest in the area. But local housing advocates are calling on public officials and the federal government for additional rental assistance. Nam Y. Huh / AP Photo
A Push For Federal Rent Relief, Affordable Housing In Illinois
A rent sign is seen at a building in Winnetka, Ill.,Tuesday, June 23, 2020. Illinois Governor J.B Pritzker announced a package of state grant programs that will help support communities and businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and unrest in the area. But local housing advocates are calling on public officials and the federal government for additional rental assistance. Nam Y. Huh / AP Photo

A Push For Federal Rent Relief, Affordable Housing In Illinois

Illinois renters must earn more than twice the state’s minimum wage to afford modest housing, according to a new national report.

By Stephanie Kim
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The U.S. is grappling with record unemployment and job loss tied to the coronavirus pandemic. And now, experts fear COVID-19 will cause the nation’s housing crisis to spiral out of control. In Illinois, renters must earn about $21 an hour to afford modest housing, according to a new report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition.

Reset checks in with local groups who are pushing for immediate federal rental relief and more affordable housing options across the state.

GUESTS: Bob Palmer, policy director for Housing Action Illinois

Raul Raymundo, CEO and co-founder of The Resurrection Project

Rochelle Foster, a leader of the North Lawndale Homeowners Association