CLCLT Acknowleges Donation

We are pleased to receive a generous donation from Morgante-Wilson Architects. We especially appreciate the support of an Evanston business. As we work to adapt our operations to new and frequently changing market conditions, this gift helps us to make orderly changes in our plans and methods. Despite challenging conditions, we remain focused on providing affordable housing options for low- and moderate-income families who live and work in Evanston.

Holiday Greetings!

Volunteers, committee members and prospective homebuyers joined CLCLT board and staff to celebrate the holidays. It was our first event at the new office at 1904 Greenwood. The festivities included good conversation, treats, punch and hot apple cider. Freezing rain may have dampened the turnout but the festivities went on in our comfortable, shared common area.

Look for a formal open house in the New Year.

Success Never Tasted So Sweet!

Thanks to Carol Balkcom and Betty Ester, who baked dozens of sweet potato, pumpkin and apple pies. Jill Graham and Vicky Daugherty joined forces to bake almost two dozen apple pies with marvelous lattice crusts.

Thanks to all those who purchased and enjoyed the pies. We appreciate the donations from those who could not pick up their fresh, home-made pies. Through the efforts of board members, staff and volunteers, we gained nearly $500.00.

Among her many talents, Jill Graham conducts pie baking classes from time to time. Anyone interested in learning the secrets to fine baking should contact our office. We received many requests for information about additional pie sales. We need more bakers to meet the demand!

2212 Washington Street House Sold

We are happy to welcome the family of Sharon Weeks as the first owners of a land trust home in Evanston. The sale was completed in early July. North Shore Community Bank provided funding to CLCLT to assure the smooth transition to ownership.

We continue to work with interested persons and families to make affordable homeownership a real option in Evanston. Feel free to contact us at office@citizenslighthouse.org to find out how you can own an affordable home in Evanston.

3rd Annual Meeting Held May 17, 2009

Over 50 members and supporters of affordable housing joined us for our 3rd Annual Meeting. Held at St. Nicholas Church, the main speakers were Jan Schakowsky, Representative for the 9th District of Illinois, US Congress and Bob Palmer, Policy Director, Housing Action Illinois.

Those present had an opportunity to hear the speakers' informative presentations, to discuss questions and issues and to learn about prospective projects of CLCLT. Both the City of Evanston and CLCLT will be applying for federal funds to respond to the foreclosure crisis.

During the meeting, members applauded the newly elected board members: Vickie Daugherty, Michael Miles and Eugene Wharton.

Members enjoyed artwork from students in Room 101 at Oakton School. They were inspired to create images of happy homes. We thank Principal Daniels, the students and teachers for sharing their uplifting images.

Guest Speaker Remarks

Congresswoman Schakowsky discussed current federal considerations for affordable housing. She noted that newly confirmed HUD Secretary, Shaun Donovan, has been well regarded by affordable housing activities in New York City. He most recently served as NYC Housing Commissioner. She noted that HUD program funding levels would likely be sustained. However, Congress would be hard pressed to find additional affordable housing funds in the near future, she observed. She welcomed our efforts to provide alternatives for those seeking affordable housing.

Bob Palmer provided an in depth overview of current housing market considerations. He noted the increasing need for affordable rental housing. The foreclosure crisis has increased demand for affordable units in good areas since former homeowners now needed to rent. He described some of the effects on affordable housing initiatives from two perspectives: the financial termoil of the last year and recent political changes in Springfield. He also noted recent Sun-Times reports on apparent abuse of affordable housing policies in Chicago and described ways to avoid them for future projects statewide. The community land trust model (CLT) is an inherently strong method for maintaining permanently affordable projects. Assisted homebuyers can sell their homes but not the land, retained by the CLT.