Law Center for Better Housing

We’ve changed our name. Lawyers' Committee for Better Housing is now Law Center for Better Housing. Our new name more accurately reflects the services we provide. "Law Center" denotes a hub of activity where lawyers, social workers, community organizers, and volunteers come together to make Chicago a more just place to call home. Watch our latest video to learn more about our history and future plans. https://lnkd.in/g4DYbKYT

“Serious conditions issues not only impact the health of tenants, including some of Chicago’s most vulnerable residents, but also lead to more evictions, as tenants will understandably withhold rent when the landlord refuses or is unable to provide necessities, like heat or running water. What the tenant really needs is to have an advocate.” - LCBH Legal and Policy Director, Michelle Gilbert We’re glad to see more people are making the connection between poor housing conditions and eviction! Our team is ready to keep defending renters’ rights in eviction court! Read more: https://lnkd.in/eeum4rvU #RighttoCounsel Mark Swartz Legal Aid Chicago

We recently wrapped our collaboration with a volunteer team of tech experts through the #ForceforGood program where we developed an internal dashboard to track our KPIs. Powered by software generously donated by Qlik, the dashboard allows LCBH to effectively communicate our progress to our staff, board, and supporters. It was so great working with the FFG team! Thank you, JPMorganChase, for your continued support! More on Force for Good: https://lnkd.in/g2G2yAQX

ICYMI: President and CEO of Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago, Anthony Simpkins, took home our 2024 Sharon L. King Distinguished Alumni Award at our Fall Benefit in October. After starting his career at LCBH as a Skadden Fellow, Anthony served at the City of Chicago in multiple roles before joining NHS. His commitment to preserving safe and affordable housing continues to inspire us every day! Join us in congratulating Anthony below!

Join us in congratulating the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice on receiving LCBH's 2024 Justice Innovation Award! This honor celebrates their steadfast commitment to creating equitable access to justice for all Illinois residents. Through initiatives like their Eviction Answer and Sealing Forms, the ATJ Commission is bridging gaps in legal access and showcasing the power of innovative legal tools for self-represented litigants. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/getedjvZ --- Mark Swartz, Alison Conlon, Alison Spanner, Jill Roberts

1871 has been an invaluable partner in the development of Rentervention's AI Chatbot, Renny. We’re deeply grateful for their ongoing support as we explore innovative ways to connect renters with vital information about their rights. Join us in congratulating 1871 on receiving the 2024 Pro Bono Service Award below! -- Betsy Ziegler Andrew Harrison Gabby Snedeker

We're excited to announce that LCBH's Executive Director Mark Swartz and Rentervention Director Conor Malloy accepted the 2024 Reisman Innovation Award for our work on Rentervention at #ClioCon earlier this month! We're so grateful for this recognition of Rentervention and its remarkable impact on tenants' access to justice. Check out more about our work and the award here: https://lnkd.in/gHfqFTJ9

Thank you, Alderpersons Pat Dowell, Lamont J. Robinson, Desmon Yancy, and Jeanette Taylor for inviting LCBH to join your Housing Resource Fair last weekend! Umair, Aleathea, and Michelle had a great time speaking with renters from the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 20th Wards about their rights. A special thank you to Senator Robert Peters for stopping by to speak with us!

Thank you to everyone who made our 2024 Fall Benefit a success! Whether you joined us in person at Buddy Guy's or cheered us on from afar, we are so grateful for your continued support. Help us extend another huge congratulations to this year's esteemed award winners, Taft West, Anthony Simpkins, 1871, and the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice. We are honored to be your partners in making Chicago a more equitable place to call home. ____ Mark Swartz, Allen Hailey, Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago, Betsy Ziegler, Gabby Snedeker, Andrew Harrison, Alison Spanner, Alison Conlon, Mark Ainley, Buddy Guy's Legends

Law Center for Better Housing's fall event honoring Taft West was a big success. The room was full of people who took Taft’s property management class, worked with him, or lived in one of his buildings.? Thank you to everyone who shared a story about Taft or made an introduction. Technical difficulties prevented us from showing this video. Check it out! Taft’s 1000-watt smile is guaranteed to brighten your day. ?? Mark Ainley Jared Kott Calvin Holmes Stacie Young Val Free Dianne Hodges James Lackland Jack Markowski Erica E. Myles Jim Wheaton William Townsell Claire Battle (she/her) Mark Swartz Sherry Rontos Gisele Hennings John Bartlett Jessica Panza Jessica Sivels Geoffrey Cockrell Taft West https://lnkd.in/gD2sC6BN