CHICAGO – To address the housing crisis that the 7^th District and entire state of Illinois faces, State Senator Mike Simmons led a Senate Human Rights Committee subject matter hearing on Tuesday entitled ”Housing as a Human Right.”

“The hearing is in direct response to what my office witnesses on a daily basis, which is people in a housing crisis,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Common threats to stable, accessible, affordable housing include double-digit rent increases, the threat of eviction, building neglect and disrepair, homelessness, and domestic violence. No matter what part of Illinois you live in, there is a lack of sufficient accessible, quality housing, and the purpose of this hearing is to amplify this issue and affect real change.”

The “Housing as a Human Right” hearing held in Chicago heard from residents who have, and currently face challenges to their housing, as well as advocates and community leaders about the challenges to access and affordability to housing currently in Chicago and all of Illinois. Testimonies touched in astronomical rent increases, the shortage of shelter resources, the deterioration of aging buildings, social services, and property taxes in creating and maintaining more affordable housing in Illinois.

“The need for more affordable and accessible housing cannot be understated, many residents are struggling, and we need to step in to address the root cause of these issues,” said State Senator Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago). “I hear these stories all across my district, and have even experienced homelessness myself, and I understand how your dignity is taken and you are more vulnerable than ever when you are struggling with finding a place to sleep. Housing is a right that all people deserve.”

Advocates were also able to discuss the effects of displacement and gentrification through de-conversion and sale of affordable housing to corporate management companies and what the effects have been on residents. Additionally, stakeholders emphasized what steps Illinois could take to alleviate the problems residents face through increased rent and barriers to access housing like credit score checks and unprecedented fees.

“Hearing directly from 7^th district neighbors, friends, and leaders shines light on the housing crisis. Just as food, water, and clothing are defined as basic human needs, so is shelter and housing. Housing is a basic human right and determines any person’s ability to thrive and live a life to their fullest potential,” said Simmons. “I want to thank the advocates and residents who came out to make their voices heard today – Metropolitan Planning Council, Uptown People’s Law Center, Good News Partners, North Side Housing and Social Services, Northside Community Resources, Cornerstone, and individual constituents; because of your first-hand powerful testimony we heard directly the impacts lack of accessible, affordable housing has on our communities.”

Simmons vows to push for legislation to enhance housing accessibility during the upcoming legislative session.