2021 NEWSLETTER RECAPS
January
Monthly Mission Scramble
Answer: Fair Housing Act
Definition: Otherwise known as the Civil Rights Act of 1968, the Fair Housing Act prohibits the discrimination of people due to race, religion, sex, familial status, disability, and national origin when they are looking to rent or buy a house, receive a mortgage, seek housing assistance, or engage in other housing-related activities.
Context: “As a real estate broker, I’m able to share my own experiences and those of my clients. It is also an opportunity for me to educate buyers on the Fair Housing Act which is immensely important.” - Homebuyer University: Meet Our Instructors
What's In Store?
Whether you’re putting away your holiday decorations for the season or taking stock of your lawn and garden items for the warmer months ahead, take note of the items that you no longer need and consider donating them to ReStore Chicago!
From lawnmowers and trimmers to flower planters and patio furniture, transform your used home goods into brighter futures for your Chicago neighbors! Learn how to donate to ReStore Chicago here.
Quick Bits
Sign Up for Homebuyer University!
>> Habitat Chicago is gearing up for our next round of Homebuyer University, a series of educational classes designed to prepare first-time buyers to budget, purchase, and maintain a home.
>> This round will consist of five virtual classes, taking place on Saturday mornings between February 13th and March 13th.
>> There are still spots available! Space is limited to 40 students, so reserve your spot today by visiting the Homebuyer University event page.
>> Want to help us get the word out? Share these posts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
Free Tax Assistance
>> Seeking tax assistance this year? Ladder Up is a program that helps Illinois residents prepare their federal and Illinois income tax returns for free. The program is now scheduling appointments, which will take place virtually between January 30th and April 15th.
>> We highly recommend you take advantage of this free service, especially if you are considering applying to Habitat Chicago’s Affordable Homeownership Program in 2021. This is a great way to get a head start on your documentation requirements for the application!
>> Visit the Ladder Up website to schedule an appointment and view income limits and eligibility requirements, or call (312) 588-6900.
Supporter Spotlight: Wayne Jenkins
Wayne has been a volunteer at ReStore Chicago since it first opened in 2014. A former trade machinist, Wayne comes in 1-3 times a week to work through our collection of lights and electronics to make sure they’re ready for resale.
In the six years Wayne has volunteered with us, he has completed over 600 volunteer hours and helped us raise funds through the resale of donations. Wayne is one of the many reasons why every donation goes such a long way at ReStore.
In Case You Missed It
This holiday season, Habitat Chicago hosted our first ever Edible Home Build! Our supporters built homes using tasty treats from their kitchens and spent the time reflecting on the importance of decent housing. Our community’s ingenuity was on full display!