Over 700 residents of the Lakeview, Lincoln Park, and North Center neighborhoods will gather today, Tuesday, June 22 at 7 p.m. for the Lakeview Action Coalition’s (LAC) annual Action Assembly (Convention) at Temple Sholom located at 3480 N. Lake Shore Drive (between Cornelia and Stratford streets).
This annual gathering provides an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of LAC, and to spotlight the critical issues and needs facing community residents and stake holders.
LAC organizer, Eve Shapiro, reports that Representative Feigenholtz (IL 12th), Alderman Tunney (44th Ward), Alderman Schulter (47th Ward), Alderman Shiller (46th Ward), Ric Estrada of the City Dept. of Family and Support Services, CPD Deputy Superintendent Brust, CPD Commander Kenny (19th Dist.) and Weiss Hospital CEO Frank Molinaro will be attending.
Since it’s founding, Lakeview Action Coalition has steadily and consistently brought about change that promotes justice for the underserved residents in the community, like bringing Marah’s Place (a women’s transitional housing program) to Lakeview. LAC has also supported the preservation of the Lincoln Park Community Shelter, and renewing Section 8 affordable housing contracts at Lincoln Park Plaza and Webster House.
At the Action Assembly, LAC aims to make progress on affordable housing by bringing together Section 8 residents and neighbors who want to see more diversity in their neighborhood, and decision-makers to highlight the need to preserve old and create new affordable housing. Ald. Burnett will also be present to speak about his Sweet Home Chicago Ordinance, which will make 20% of all Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds available for affordable housing.
Too often residents fighting for affordable housing and healthcare lack the resources to invest in weatherization and other “green” programs that can save money and better the environment. LAC is promoting a more streamlined process for low-income buildings to receive federally funded stimulus money allocated for large-scale weatherization projects.
Lakeview is a central neighborhood to Chicago’s vibrant LGBTQ community and home to The Center on Halsted, the largest LGBTQ community center in the Midwest, and the community is a draw for many who seek acceptance, including many homeless and LGBTQ youth. LAC is pushing the CPD to develop and adopt a policy on how they treat transgender individuals when they question them or have them in custody.
About Lakeview Action Coalition:
Founded in 1993, Lakeview Action Coalition (LAC) is a non-profit, multi-issue community organization that fights for justice, solidarity and diversity. The Coalition is comprised of 43 institutional members, including religious congregations, non-profit agencies, banks, business associations, a credit union and a senior citizens caucus. These diverse institutions are stakeholders in the Chicago communities of Lakeview, Lincoln Park and North Center.
LAC enables its members to act on their values in public life by participating in the decisions that shape our community’s future. LAC is funded by its member institutions, foundations and other donors and by earned income. Members pay substantial dues in order to provide local, independent funding.
Recognizing that Lakeview is part of a larger city and region, LAC was a founding member of United Power for Action and Justice in 1997, a coalition of organizations across metropolitan Chicago. In 2009, LAC affiliated with National People’s Action, a coalition of grassroots organizations across the country.
For more information visit:
Twitter: www.twitter.com/lakeviewaction
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