Rehabilitation of Ford Heights’ Vera Yates affordable housing

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The Housing Authority of Cook County (HACC) today celebrated the comprehensive renovation of Vera Yates Homes, a 116-unit multifamily housing complex located at 1055 Berkeley Ave in Ford Heights, by hosting Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and other officials for a tour of the facility.

The $16.7 million, multi-year rehabilitation process touched every corner of the 64-year-old Vera Yates Homes, from the kitchen appliances to the basketball court. Nearly 400 residents of 116 families have now moved into their newly updated homes, which are owned and managed by HACC.

“The Housing Authority of Cook County has been hard at work serving residents throughout suburban Cook County that need help the most,” President Preckwinkle said. “Thanks to HACC’s efforts, we have preserved the county’s existing housing stock and will now be able to provide low-income families with affordable housing for decades to come. This is equitable public policy in action.”

Construction work began at the site in 2018, and involved major foundation and roof repairs, as well as mechanical, electrical and plumbing upgrades. Interior improvements included new windows, doors, appliances and fixtures, and accessibility upgrades for residents with disabilities. The project also repaired and improved sidewalks and asphalt on the property.

“This has been a remarkable physical transformation,” said HACC Executive Director Rich Monocchio. “Residents in the Village of Ford Heights deserve affordable housing options that are not only safe and reliable but also comfortable and attractive. We took that responsibility to our residents and to the community very seriously, and the result is the beautiful property you are seeing today.”

The Vera Yates redevelopment project is one of the last in a series of rehabilitations totaling over $200 million across the suburbs. Beginning in 2015, HACC has leveraged public and private equity in order to reinvest in its housing stock so that residents of suburban Cook County will have decent, safe and affordable housing for decades to come. This effort has led to over 1500 units of affordable housing being preserved for the future.

“I’m very proud of the work of the Housing Authority of Cook County and what we’ve been able to accomplish in Ford Heights and across the Southland,” said Commissioner Deborah Sims. “From Robbins to Harvey to Chicago Heights, HACC’s efforts will ensure that our properties will continue to provide high-quality accommodation to low-income families and seniors for decades to come.”

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