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Voices From Chicago Public Housing: A Raw and Unflinching Account of Life in the Shadows

Glenn Hayes

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Published in High Rise Stories: Voices From Chicago Public Housing (Voice Of Witness)

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In 2019, the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) released a report that found that more than 20,000 families were living in public housing units that were in need of major repairs. The report also found that more than 10,000 families were living in units that were overcrowded, and more than 5,000 families were living in units that had lead hazards.

High Rise Stories: Voices from Chicago Public Housing (Voice of Witness)

by Audrey Petty

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10872 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	263 pages

These numbers are a stark reminder of the deplorable conditions that many low-income families in Chicago are forced to live in. Public housing is often seen as a last resort for those who cannot afford to live anywhere else. But for many families, it is their only option.

The stories in Voices From Chicago Public Housing offer a first-hand account of what life is like for people who live in these conditions. They are stories of poverty, violence, and neglect. But they are also stories of hope, resilience, and community.

One of the most striking things about these stories is the way that they humanize the people who live in public housing. They are not just statistics or faceless victims. They are people with names and faces and stories to tell.

For example, there is the story of LaToya, a single mother of three who lives in the Robert Taylor Homes. LaToya works two jobs to make ends meet, but she still struggles to pay her rent. Her apartment is small and cramped, and there are often rats and mice running around. But LaToya is determined to make a better life for her children. She is involved in her community and she volunteers at her local church.

LaToya's story is just one of many that are included in Voices From Chicago Public Housing. These stories are a powerful reminder of the importance of affordable housing. They are also a call to action for us to do more to help those who are struggling to make ends meet.

If you are interested in learning more about the lives of people who live in public housing, I encourage you to read Voices From Chicago Public Housing. It is a book that will open your eyes to the challenges that these families face. It is also a book that will inspire you to make a difference.

About the Voice of Witness Project

The Voice of Witness Project is a non-profit organization that publishes oral histories of people who have been affected by social injustice. Voices From Chicago Public Housing is one of many books that the project has published. Other books in the series include:

High Rise Stories: Voices from Chicago Public Housing (Voice of Witness)

by Audrey Petty

4.3 out of 5