Disability Rights Action Coalition for Housing

'People with disabilities — which make up about 19% of the adult homeless population — have long expressed concerns about the lack of accessible shelter space. A number of lawsuits have been filed against the city accusing the shelter system of failing to provide accommodations mandated by federal law.
Iliana Rivera Haven, a housing community organizer with the disability rights group Access Living, which is part of several lawsuits, said in a statement that the city has denied people with disabilities access to its shelters for decades and that “any investment in ADA compliance to correct that problem is a win for the people of Chicago.”
“That said, even though we have been fighting for accessibility for years, this announcement was surprising news to us and to our allies working to end homelessness — we’ve received no details on the city’s plans or how this investment will address long-standing barriers,” Rivera Haven said. “Advocates with lived experience would welcome the opportunity to collaborate with the city to ensure this funding delivers real change for disabled Chicagoans experiencing homelessness.” '
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/07/23/mayor-brandon-johnson-announces-40-million-to-upgrade-chicagos-homeless-shelters/
https://archive.ph/89HYA

Mayor Brandon Johnson announces $40 million to upgrade Chicago’s homeless shelters Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Family and Support Services called it the “largest local shelter capital investment in Chicago’s history.”

Last Wednesday, we turned up and spoke out at City Hall with our organizational allies and supporting alders to rally for the Senior Bill of Rights Ordinance. We hope that through this, we can center the voices of seniors, especially those with disabilities or who are seeking to age in place and live with dignity. We called for a future where seniors are met with respect and safe living environments, protected from retaliation for making maintenance requests or reporting abuse.

We are so grateful to everyone who spoke with us, and stood in solidarity. A special shout out to Miss Jackie who spoke as the DRACH representative! Our fight for senior and disability justice continues! Please call your alders today to ask them to support the Senior Bill of Rights.

People with disabilities have the right to safe, healthy places to live.

If you agree with that then you should come join us for the first DRACH meeting of the year on January 22nd from 1pm-3pm. We meet both in person and virtually every 2nd and 4th week of the months.



{The photos below are of DRACH members who are smiling and waiving their hands. They are all wearing a red tshirt with black and white wording that says Equal Access Across Chicago, Disability Rights Coalition for Housing.}

This AM we joined several elected officials to introduce the Accountable Housing and Antidiscrimination Waitlist Act in City Hall.

"We have a shortage of 120,000 units of affordable housing throughout the city and we need to make sure that the systems in place are making it easier for people to find a shelter, find a home," Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez said.

There are insurmountable difficulties of navigating various waitlists for folks with disabilities. A centralized online waitlist portal could alleviate some of the greatest challenges they face. Please see the articles below for more info!

https://abc7chicago.com/post/chicago-city-council-members-introduce-ordinance-make-finding-affordable-housing-easier/15354073/

https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/chicago-city-council-affordable-housing-waitlist

Chicago Housing Initiative Access Living

City Council members introduce ordinance to make finding affordable housing easier A new ordinance aims to remove some of the existing barriers to make finding housing easier and more accessible.

Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky
Access Living me wearing my Disability Rights Action Coalition for Housing T-shirt

Who's ready to head to the beach? Well I know I am. A beach party that is. Every year an amazing organization host a beach party for those who have disabilities and family and friends and others. This year it's the same. Beyond the waters beach party is today. To avoid the long line make sure you register online. This is an event that many organizations come out and promoter organizations and also provide resources to the disability community. But this is also an event where if you want to try out cycling in many different forms you can. Here's a fire that explains more instead of me just explaining. Remember register online and avoid the long line. I hope you do. I already did.

Check out "Check out "2024 Beyond the Waters Beach Party" on Eventbrite!"!
2024 Beyond the Waters Beach Party

Date: Sun, Aug 25 • 12:00 PM CDT

Location: 5800 North DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60660

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-beyond-the-waters-beach-party-tickets-945807554857?aff=ebdsshsms&utm_share_source=listing_android

Dearborn Homes residents say their buildings are in disrepair; CHA says it is fixing the issues Older adult residents at the Chicago Housing Authority’s Dearborn Homes aired concerns about broken elevators, a rat infestatio and overflowing trash bins.

Do you identify as having a disability and are passionate about housing justice? Contact Iliana Haven to learn more about getting involved with DRACH!

DRACH at the Disability Pride parade last Saturday honoring the life of dear friend and activist, Justin Cooper.