Jane Addams Senior Caucus

06/09/2026

Another huge victory for our tenants at Ellis Lakeview! Back rent for all of our tenants has been WAIVED.

For years, tenants have fought hard in and out of court against inflated or outright fraudulent balances, including going on a rent strike just over a year ago.

Congratulations!

06/09/2026

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🏢 TENANT STORIES
📝 CAMPAIGN UPDATES
🗞️ JASC IN THE NEWS
🚨 RESOURCES
📅 COMMUNITY EVENTS

Whether you’re a tenant in a PBS8 building, a Chicago resident or just interested in our work… the monthly newsletter is right for you.

06/01/2026

150 households. One week to move their cars, or get towed.

So Ms. Sangas organized. Neighbors sent management and the Alderman dozens of emails and won free resident parking on the entire street. Then she went even further, partnering with the church across the street to secure 30 more parking spaces for residents.

This is not only true leadership, but an example of how a community can come together to support eachother.

05/28/2026

Ms. Rose tells us in her own words how being part of the tenants association has improved her confidence and quality of life. Building community takes work and bravery. We are proud of her and all tenants that push through the unknown and the fear.

"The Tenant Association has helped me learn and know my rights as a tenant and given me confidence to stand up for myself.

I appreciate Tammi, the JASC organizer at Damen Courts, for taking the time to listen to the residents and represent for the tenants. She is always open to hearing new ideas & she has helped me believe in myself and learn how to represent for myself.

What I like about the tenant association: They stand behind you 100 percent. The association has given me the courage to speak up in front of a crowd of people, because I have always been kinda shy when it came to that. So now I'm becoming a social butterfly 🤗 I like that they provide access to resources, even legal advice. My work with the association has also led to personal wins like a new stove and refrigerator.

The tenants association is a Blessing."

05/28/2026

Blackstone Bicycle Works is hosting a BIKE GIVEAWAY this Saturday from 10am-1pm.

A NEW Bike & Helmet for:
- Youth in Grades 1-5
- Southside Chicago Residents
- and CPS Students

In addition to the giveway there will be safttey bike riding tips and food!

05/26/2026

Another new appliance secured for one of our tenants!

These material victories are essential to both the livelihood of our members and the strength of our fight. Every tenant deserves a home with functioning equipment, and when residents spend less time dealing with broken appliances and chasing repairs, they have more capacity to organize around the larger building-wide issues we face together.

05/19/2026

We are still fundraising for air quality testing at Fox Shore! Tenacious and resilient tenant leader Julie Frerichs set up a GoFund Me so that you can donate directly.

DONATE HERE: https://gofund.me/571d76206

Why is this testing urgently needed?

This testing is crucial to determine the baseline level of airborne asbestos before remediation is applied, so we can understand the exposure each household has endured. Some residents have been living in units with falling ceilings and crumbling walls due to plumbing issues and age-related deterioration. Without this testing, we will never know for sure what risk to residents health has been jeopardized because of the exposure. Your help will allow all residents to have facts to work with when considering their health, well-being, and living situations. Any help you can provide will make a meaningful difference during this uncertain time.

Thank you for standing with the Fox Shore Apartments community.

My name is Julianne Frerichs, and I am a resident of Fox Shore Apar… Julianne Frerichs needs your support for Help Fox Shore Residents Get Air Quality Testing

05/19/2026

Ms. Brown's story is unfortunately one we see often, she had an apartment full of repair needs in multiple rooms. Damanged and defective appliances, missing fixtures and mice infestation not properly resolved.

Did she sit back and wait for management to notice and take action?

No way!

She followed the steps we stand by: document, notify and escalate. Emails to management and HUD over months led to repairs in the bathroom, bedrrom and kitchen; including a new refrigerator and stove!

05/08/2026

Today we are celebrating the life of one of our members, Mr. Daryl. Originally skeptical of the work of the tenant association, his curiosity kept him asking questions. After forming a nice friendship and relationship of trust with one of our organizers he began attending meetings, working with our Social Worker he was finally able to receive home care services and became an official dues paying member. Although he was fighting for his health, he still found a way to stand up for himself and his neighbors. He will truly be missed. Rest in Power Mr. Daryl.

05/01/2026

Ms. F isn't leaving.

Why not?

Her landlord exposed her and her neighbors to asbestos, requiring everyone to temporarily relocate. After first promising to test asbestos air concentration in the units, they are now refusing.

The Illinois EPA identifies the risks of asbestos as "Major health effects- include lung cancer, mesothelioma (a rare cancer of the lining of the lungs and abdomen), and asbestosis (a long-term, progressive lung disease)." Noting that, "The greater and longer the exposure, the higher the chance of harmful health effects. Symptoms of asbestos-related illness can take many years to appear, and these conditions can be difficult to diagnose."

This is why air quality testing is CRITICAL. Residents could become symptomatic or ill years after this exposure and without the necessary documentation they will have less tools for diagnosis and holding the proper people accountable.

This accountability is exactly why the landlord, Essence is avoiding this demand. They believe that relocation and basic cleaning is enough. We demand that they take responsibility for why this occurred, and for the potential long term health impacts on their tenants

However, Ms. F can not wait forever. We are currently looking to raise $1,000 for this test to be done.

Click here to donate: https://donorbox.org/jane-addams-senior-caucus-donation