The application period for Evanston’s local housing reparations program opened to the public Sept. 21, marking the first expenditures under the city’s local reparations fund.
In 2019, Evanston City Council adopted a resolution to provide reparations for housing and economic development programs for those impacted by discriminatory practices against Black residents. The city committed $2 million over the next decade, funded by cannabis sales revenue and some donations.
The current housing program is budgeted for $400,000, or 4% of the overall proposed commitment.
“This process has been a couple of years in the making, and we’ll continue to provide the community with informational sessions on how they are able to apply to gain eligibility for the program,” said Deputy City Manager Kimberly Richardson.
There are three criteria for eligibility for the housing program. Applicants must show they are an ancestor or direct descendant of a Black Evanston resident who lived in the city between 1919 and 1969, or that they experienced housing discrimination due to city policy after 1969.
Applicants will need to provide documentation to prove their ancestry. Examples include electric bills, school records, adoption records or census records. Eligible applicants may receive up to $25,000 to assist in housing expenses.
The application can be found online on the Evanston city website. Additionally, the staff at the Evanston Public Library will be offering resources and assistance to those applying.
City staff will be holding office hours on Mondays and Wednesdays during the application window to help residents as well as additional informational sessions. Office hours are held at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, and applicants do not need to register to receive help.
The application for local housing reparations closes on Nov. 5.
Emily Little is a freelance reporter.