President Preckwinkle, Housing Authority of Cook County Announce Creation of 1,350 New Affordable Housing Units in 2012
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and the Housing Authority of Cook County (HACC) announced today the creation of more than 1,300 new affordable housing units in Cook County in 2012.
As part of the County’s effort to revitalize the sister agency, President Preckwinkle and HACC Executive Director Richard J. Monocchio have made a strong push for new housing units, particularly as many residents throughout suburban Cook County continue to struggle during the economic recovery. Of the 1,350 new units this year, 1,000 are new Housing Choice Voucher units, 200 are recovered public housing units and 150 new units are being designated for homeless veterans through federal funding.
“Improving access to affordable housing has been a consistent priority throughout my time in public service, and it is critical that we continue this work to ensure that our underserved communities have access to the housing they deserve,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.
The announcement comes the day before Monocchio is set to speak before the City Club of Chicago to discuss the efforts the HACC has undertaken this year.
“The Housing Authority of Cook County has worked closely with President Preckwinkle and her administration to strengthen its finances, improve resident quality of life and to further its mission of providing fair and affordable housing to the people of Cook County,” Monocchio said. “These new units will help bolster our communities while ensuring that the County has quality low-income housing options.”
In June, President Preckwinkle announced sweeping changes to the HACC naming four new board members, partnering with the authority on future purchases to lower costs, and boosting collaboration between the HACC and other county agencies. Since that time, the HACC has also taken great steps to improve the quality of life for residents by working to make job training and workforce development opportunities more available to HACC residents through the Chicago Workforce Partnership, improving environmental oversight and upkeep on HACC buildings and working to address gang-related issues in targeted HACC communities.
The Housing Authority of Cook County is the second largest provider of affordable housing in the State of Illinois. It is committed to promoting opportunity for quality housing to low and moderate income families, the elderly and the disabled throughout Cook County.