After over two years of research, strategic planning, and discussions with allies and collaborators, Voice of the People in Uptown, Inc. is announcing the formation of a community land trust — the Dovie Thurman Affordable Housing Trust, where residents and owners unite for sustainable diversity.
Established by Voice of the People in Uptown in January 2023, it will include 3 Voice-owned properties to seed the initiative. Dovie Thurman, the namesake of the new trust, was a “Founding Mother” of Voice, a black woman who leveraged her opportunity for affordable housing, to become a welfare and civil rights activist, and a community and religious leader of legendary proportions.
In honor of her social justice vision, the founders of the affordable housing trust envision sustainably just, healthy, and diverse communities in Chicago; where affordable housing is available to people of all ages and needs; and, where residents and owners can access the services and supports required to assure lasting housing opportunities.
HOUSING TRUST OBJECTIVES
- Brings together owners of rental and shared equity housing with commitment to permanent affordability.
- Facilitates benefits that address residents’ threats to housing stability and owners’ threats to economic viability.
- Advocates for Benefits of Membership including: property tax relief; property management technical or compliance assistance; preferred access to subsidies, government financing, resident social service funding and wealth-building programs.
- Expands membership with marketing and outreach to public officials, non-profits, resource providers, and housing owners through out Chicago.
- Enables through Voice Owners Network program networking among resident leadership, asset managers, property managers, and tenant/owner service providers.
- HELPFUL LINKS: About Community Land Trusts, Making History Video and Trust Structure/Models