Residents of 7500 South Shore, a five-story apartment complex in Chicago, announced the formation of a tenant union on November 24, 2023. This initiative comes after a federal raid on September 30, which drew attention to the building’s deteriorating conditions. A gathering of more than thirty tenants, community organizers, and supporters took place outside the building, where they voiced their demands for urgent repairs and better living conditions.
The newly established tenant union represents a majority of the building’s thirty-six remaining residents. They are calling on the court-appointed receiver, Friedman Communities, to take immediate action. Their demands include restoring essential services such as heat, electricity, and functioning elevators, while also addressing severe issues like standing water, sewage, and mold. Additionally, the tenants are requesting relocation assistance of $7,500 for each resident at least thirty days before moving out, along with expedited inspections for Section 8 Voucher Holders by the Chicago Housing Authority.
Infiniti Gant, a housing organizer with Southside Together, highlighted that the unlivable conditions in the building predate the federal actions. “No one paid attention to the fact that people were living here without heat before ICE came,” Gant stated. Residents like Mashawnda Price have reported living with inadequate amenities, including weeks without power and dealing with infestations of pests.
Price recounted her struggles since moving into the building over two years ago, including constant issues with mice, roaches, and bedbugs. She described the management’s slow response to repair requests, stating that, at one point, the management company’s phone line was disconnected, hindering tenants from reporting urgent needs. Price also mentioned that property managers often failed to complete necessary repairs properly.
The situation escalated to the point where residents had to carry elderly and disabled neighbors up and down stairs due to non-functioning elevators. Price expressed her frustrations, sharing that when she attempted to voice concerns, management labeled her as “too aggressive” and threatened eviction. She further alleged that management had subjected her and other tenants to verbal harassment and inappropriate behavior.
The management company, Strength in Management, did not respond to requests for comment by the time of publication. The conditions within the building were further complicated when, according to resident Darren Hightower, security was removed last year, coinciding with an increase in violence in the area.
Hightower noted the challenges faced by residents, particularly after the gas service was cut for an extended period. He emphasized that the blame for current living conditions should not fall on new residents, including Venezuelan migrants, but rather on the management’s failures. “We were forced in with people who were coming from worse conditions that we’re living in right now,” he said, underscoring that the issues stem from mismanagement.
The tenants have not yet resorted to withholding rent, but they have made it clear that if their demands are not addressed by Friedman Communities and the Chicago Housing Authority, they are prepared to escalate their actions. Their goal is to ensure that all residents at 7500 South Shore achieve the justice and living conditions they deserve.
As the tenant union begins its advocacy, it reflects a growing movement among residents to fight for their rights and improve their housing conditions. The support from local organizations like Southside Together and the Metropolitan Tenants Organization plays a crucial role in amplifying their voices and demands.
