In a nod towards equal opportunity housing, the Cook County Commission on Human Rights has teamed up with Roosevelt University's Policy Research Collaborative to scrutinize the effects of the Just Housing Amendment (JHA). This groundbreaking legislation, which took effect in February 2020, specifically targets discrimination based on criminal justice system involvement, opening doors to fair housing for many.
A grant from the Cook County Equity Fund, helmed by County President Toni Preckwinkle, is fueling this initiative. President Preckwinkle, noted for her commitment to housing equity, proclaims, "With over 30,000 individuals returning home from prison annually in Illinois, fair chance housing laws, like JHA, are increasingly important for housing equity." Amid a gala of over twenty housing advocates and non-profit figureheads at Roosevelt University, the announcement was made public.
While the JHA is considered a cornerstone in anti-discrimination law, its deployment coincided with the onset of the global pandemic, which created hurdles in awareness and outreach. However, the Cook County Commission on Human Rights has pushed through with innovative outreach methods, garnering a 2023 NACo Achievement Award for their efforts. Despite these strides in combating discrimination, the need for a broader understanding of JHA's impact remains imperative, a task this new research partnership seeks to accomplish.
Jennifer King, Director of the Cook County Department of Human Rights and Ethics, illustrated her department's diligence and anticipation for richer insights saying, "We take our role as the enforcement agency of this historic legislation seriously and we understand the necessity of protecting Cook County residents who are searching for affordable, accessible housing." Reinforcing this sentiment, PRC Director Dr. Laura Nussbaum-Barberena expressed honor in assisting the CCCHR's mission to safeguard equitable access to housing.
The collaboration between Cook County's human rights body and the Policy Research Collaborative aims to cast a light on the successes and barriers tied to housing inequality in the region. For individuals encountering housing discrimination within Cook County, the Commission on Human Rights remains an active resource. More details on the partnership’s objectives and the JHA can be sourced from Cook County's official announcement.
