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Chicago Tribune
2 days ago
- Health
- Chicago Tribune
Illinois SNAP Education program eliminated amid federal cuts: ‘It's heartbreaking'
In a makeshift classroom in a Roseland low-income housing complex, nine women watched nutrition educator Denetria Adams saute a glistening mix of carrots, celery and onion. Tammy Spivey, 60, raised her hand from the back row. 'What's worse, cooking oil or lard?' 'Lard,' Adams answered, stirring the steaming mirepoix with practiced ease. 'It clogs your arteries.' Across the room, fellow educator Christine Davis jumped in. 'We always want to make sure we're being cognizant of the type of fat that we're putting into our bodies.' She rattled off a list of healthier alternatives. Sunflower oil, olive oil, avocado oil. Spivey jotted down the names on her note sheet, then underlined each word twice. It was the sixth session of a cooking class run by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education initiative, or Snap-Ed. For weeks, Mercy Housing residents gathered to cover nutrition basics, build kitchen skills and learn how to stretch their food stamps. It might also be one of the last. In July, the federal program was abruptly cut under President Donald Trump's sweeping One Big Beautiful Bill Act, leaving thousands across Illinois in the lurch. For decades, SNAP-Ed has partnered with dozens of Chicago organizations — from food pantries to public schools — to address the root causes of health disparities. Now, with just a few months' notice, staff are dismantling a 30-year program carefully woven into the city's social safety net. 'It was an absolute gut punch,' said Daylan Dufelmeier, who heads SNAP-Ed locally as the director of the Chicago Partnership for Health Promotion at the University of Illinois Chicago. 'The work that we do is so important and so critical, so when we got caught in political crossheads, it was brutal.' It's the latest in a flurry of welfare cuts under the Trump administration. The president's recent tax-and-spending legislation has slashed billions in federal food benefits and significantly reduced Medicaid access. Spivey, a former quality control technician, has relied on food stamps and disability checks for as long as she can remember. When she used to cook for her now-grown daughter, both were essential to keep food on the table. She couldn't always afford to prioritize nutrition. 'They cutting out the wrong things,' Spivey said. 'It's not right.' In addition to nutrition education classes, SNAP-Ed programming includes food access directories, social media campaigns and advocacy work. According to staff, those initiatives prevent more than 5,000 cases of obesity and nearly 600 cases of food insecurity across Illinois each year. For many low-income families, budgeting for healthy food options can be a challenge, experts say. That can lead to long-term health issues, including chronic diseases and nutritional deficiencies. But nonprofit research organization Altarum estimates that every dollar invested in the Illinois program returns between $5.36 and $9.54 in health care savings. 'People want to be healthier, they want to be physically active, but they don't have the resources,' said educator Adams, as she spooned out heaps of rice. Despite its documented success, the Republican-led House Committee on Agriculture said in May that the program has yielded 'no meaningful change' since its inception in 1992, wasting taxpayer money. Funding will officially run dry Sept. 30, the end of the federal fiscal year. This fiscal year, Illinois received nearly $20 million in funding for the program. About $5 million went to UIC, and the rest was funneled to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for statewide work. With the funding slashed, roughly 250 staff members will lose their jobs across the U. of I. system. 'These are people that are their communities building trust,' said Germán Bollero, dean of the U. of I. College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. 'That is at the core of our mission: transforming society to be a better place. It's heartbreaking.' Each year, SNAP-Ed is estimated to reach about one million Illinois residents, working with more than 1,800 community partners. About 1.9 million people in the state receive SNAP benefits, according to the Illinois Department of Human Services. At Mercy Housing, Alma Watson, 63, flipped through the pages of her workbook, filled with lines of her cursive handwriting. She scanned a list of recipes — turkey tacos, skillet chicken breasts and baked sweet potatoes — each paired with nutritional information. 'People don't know, and some people really need it. Like me, for one,' Watson said with a laugh. It's her second time taking the eight-week course at Mercy, where she's lived for 15 years. Participants receive boxes of fresh produce and poultry to re-create recipes at home, enough to last Watson for days. But the real joy is being in the classroom again, she said, learning alongside peers. Most of them also depend on SNAP benefits. 'I love this setting. The people are really nice,' Watson said. 'I just love everything so far.' For SNAP-Ed staff, that positive feedback makes the impending shutdown harder. Educators Adams and Davis are set to lose their jobs in a few weeks, but their greatest concern, they said, is for the communities they serve. Through the window, Davis pointed to a weathered convenience store across the street. Its neon posters advertised tobacco and soda. 'Most of the (nearby) grocery stores aren't really grocery stores. They're markets like that,' she said. '(Residents) don't have much of an option.' Food deserts — areas more than a mile from a grocery store — have plagued the Chicago area for years, particularly on the South Side. While SNAP benefits are an immediate solution, SNAP-Ed helped chip away at those broader systemic issues, Dufelmeier said. After funding runs out, operations will likely cease immediately. 'The impacts from the cuts to our programs you may not see next week, but it's a long-term impact,' Dufelmeier said. After the lesson, each participant received a paper plate with sauteed vegetables, chicken, rice and soy sauce. The room had buzzed with laughter, but it was quieter as everyone ate. One resident ambled to the front of the room for seconds. Adams smiled and dished out another helping. 'Here you go, honey.'
CBS News
25-06-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie unveils "Family Zoning" plan to boost homebuilding
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie announced a legislative package aimed at overhauling decades-old zoning laws on Tuesday, the latest effort in his plan to increase the city's housing supply and make housing more affordable for families. "Families deserve to live in San Francisco—not just visit, not just commute, but live here, grow here, and thrive. They deserve a city that loves them back," Lurie said at a press conference outside an apartment building run by Mercy Housing at 1100 Ocean Ave. on Tuesday morning. The proposed plan, if approved, would include updated height and density rules to allow for larger multifamily homes in residential areas around the city and increased housing density along commercial corridors and large lots. It would also enact new policies to allow for the creation of more housing near public transit stops and lines, including changes to city parking and density standards, and maintain tenant protections and high-quality design standards. The plan would also give housing projects a wider range of benchmarks to qualify as affordable housing, including on-site affordable housing units, dedicated affordable units off-site, or 100% rent-controlled buildings. Lurie's Family Zoning plan aims to modernize San Francisco's zoning laws to comply with state mandates while still respecting the character of the city's neighborhoods. "From backyard cottages in San Francisco and the Sunset to small apartments in Laurel Heights to denser housing in historically low-density neighborhoods, I'm excited about the future where San Francsico can grow and change in innovative and valuable ways," said Brianna Morales, a community organizer for the non-profit advocacy group Housing Action Coalition who spoke after Lurie. San Francisco has a state mandate under its Housing Element to add 82,069 new residential units by 2031. The Family Zoning plan is just the first step in the construction of these homes, says Morales. "If we pass the mayor's rezoning proposal, we won't wake up the next day with 82,000 new homes built," she said. "We need to continue to streamline our permitting processes, we need more funding for affordable housing, we need to make building housing more financially feasible, and we need to continue to reform our housing policies so we can jumpstart housing production and help San Francisco accomplish its housing goals." San Francisco is also required to adopt a rezoning plan compliant with state requirements by Jan. 31, 2026. Failure to meet the deadline could result in the state revoking local control of development and zoning decisions from the city government. "Either we lead on housing, or we lose control ... Our plan keeps control right here where it belongs," Lurie said.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Uptown residents breathe sigh of relief after Heartland Housing's Leland Apartments gets reprieve from the auction block
The residents of an Uptown apartment building, including many with disabilities, got a reprieve last week when a Cook County judge put off the possible auction and sale of their affordable building until at least the summer. The Leland Apartments was part of Heartland Housing, a nonprofit developer that collapsed in 2023, placing the building under the threat of foreclosure. City and state officials, working with the mortgage holder, hammered out a plan for Mercy Housing, an affordable housing nonprofit that owns and operates dozens of Chicagoland properties, to take over the 1920s-era Leland, reinvest in the building, enhance resident services and preserve its affordability. 'While the deal is not yet final and is pending required review and approvals, we remain optimistic about achieving this outcome,' said Mercy Housing spokesperson Kate Peterson. Residents and community advocates, who for the past year pressed officials to keep the 137-unit building off the auction block, praised the new plan, saying it will avoid the Leland's possible transformation into luxury housing. 'It means we're going to be able to stay and not have to worry about housing, which is great,' said Jeff Martin, a 61-year-old who moved into the Leland at 1207 W. Leland Ave. in 2022 after a stroke left him unable to work. The six-story building was one of more than two dozen Heartland Housing properties that together provide hundreds of affordable units, many sheltering those at greatest risk of homelessness, including seniors, veterans and those with disabilities or mental health issues. The nonprofit struggled to properly staff and maintain the properties after rent collections declined in the pandemic's wake, and many residents complained about a lack of security, high vacancy rates and deteriorating physical conditions. The court in 2023 appointed the nonprofit Community Initiatives, which runs the city's Troubled Buildings Initiative, as receiver to oversee Heartland's portfolio. Alongside city and state officials, last year it secured new owners willing to keep units affordable for most of Heartland's portfolio. But finding a group willing to take over the Leland proved tough. Mercy Community Capital, the nonprofit lending arm of Denver-based Mercy Housing, holds the Leland's mortgage. The property was losing money and the $2 million mortgage was in default, according to court documents. In October, the nonprofit asked a Cook County judge to allow a foreclosure and auction, telling the court in an affidavit that it reached out to more than 30 potential buyers without success. 'Due to the extreme needs at the property, none of these potential owners have been willing to take over the property,' Vice President Brian Sample stated. But city and state housing officials then secured an agreement with Mercy to call off the sale. Instead, it will now come up with its own financial plan to assume ownership, launch needed renovations and preserve the Leland's affordability. 'To date, we've completed the transfer or identified a new owner for all but one of the Heartland Housing properties, and they will remain affordable options for residents,' said Chicago Department of Housing spokesperson Michael Cox. Heartland properties already under new ownership include Hollywood House, a 12-story building for seniors at 5700 N. Sheridan Road in the Edgewater neighborhood, and Town Hall Apartments, a modern, 79-unit affordable building for LGBTQ seniors at 3600 N. Halsted St. in the Lakeview neighborhood, both taken over last year by affordable housing provider Full Circle Communities. The national nonprofit Preservation of Affordable Housing took over several Heartland properties on the West Side, including the 89-unit Harvest Commons at 1519 W. Warren Blvd. in the West Loop. Mercy Housing and government officials will report progress on their plans for the Leland to Judge William B. Sullivan in a July hearing. 'What we're appreciative of is that residents have been attending the court hearings since June, and the judge has always been very inclusive, and listened to what they had to say,' said Dordie Hester, a community organizer with the advocacy group ONE Northside. Martin said it's vital to preserve affordable housing, especially for the disabled, in Uptown, a gentrifying lakefront neighborhood where developers have created a lot of luxury housing. 'It's a walkable neighborhood and everything is accessible,' he said. Hester said the residents and ONE Northside, which advocates for affordable housing, neighborhood safety and clean energy, are breathing a sigh of relief but will continue to monitor how Mercy Housing's plans take shape. 'No one has made any promises to the residents directly.'
Chicago Tribune
05-02-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Uptown residents breathe sigh of relief after Heartland Housing's Leland Apartments gets reprieve from the auction block
The residents of an Uptown apartment building, including many with disabilities, got a reprieve last week when a Cook County judge put off the possible auction and sale of their affordable building until at least the summer. The Leland Apartments was part of Heartland Housing, a nonprofit developer that collapsed in 2023, placing the building under the threat of foreclosure. City and state officials, working with the mortgage holder, hammered out a plan for Mercy Housing, an affordable housing nonprofit that owns and operates dozens of Chicagoland properties, to take over the 1920s-era Leland, reinvest in the building, enhance resident services and preserve its affordability. 'While the deal is not yet final and is pending required review and approvals, we remain optimistic about achieving this outcome,' said Mercy Housing spokesperson Kate Peterson. Residents and community advocates, who for the past year pressed officials to keep the 137-unit building off the auction block, praised the new plan, saying it will avoid the Leland's possible transformation into luxury housing. 'It means we're going to be able to stay and not have to worry about housing, which is great,' said Jeff Martin, a 61-year-old who moved into the Leland at 1207 W. Leland Ave. in 2022 after a stroke left him unable to work. The six-story building was one of more than two dozen Heartland Housing properties that together provide hundreds of affordable units, many sheltering those at greatest risk of homelessness, including seniors, veterans and those with disabilities or mental health issues. The nonprofit struggled to properly staff and maintain the properties after rent collections declined in the pandemic's wake, and many residents complained about a lack of security, high vacancy rates and deteriorating physical conditions. The court in 2023 appointed the nonprofit Community Initiatives, which runs the city's Troubled Buildings Initiative, as receiver to oversee Heartland's portfolio. Alongside city and state officials, last year it secured new owners willing to keep units affordable for most of Heartland's portfolio. But finding a group willing to take over the Leland proved tough. Mercy Community Capital, the nonprofit lending arm of Denver-based Mercy Housing, holds the Leland's mortgage. The property was losing money and the $2 million mortgage was in default, according to court documents. In October, the nonprofit asked a Cook County judge to allow a foreclosure and auction, telling the court in an affidavit that it reached out to more than 30 potential buyers without success. 'Due to the extreme needs at the property, none of these potential owners have been willing to take over the property,' Vice President Brian Sample stated. But city and state housing officials then secured an agreement with Mercy to call off the sale. Instead, it will now come up with its own financial plan to assume ownership, launch needed renovations and preserve the Leland's affordability. 'To date, we've completed the transfer or identified a new owner for all but one of the Heartland Housing properties, and they will remain affordable options for residents,' said Chicago Department of Housing spokesperson Michael Cox. Heartland properties already under new ownership include Hollywood House, a 12-story building for seniors at 5700 N. Sheridan Road in the Edgewater neighborhood, and Town Hall Apartments, a modern, 79-unit affordable building for LGBTQ seniors at 3600 N. Halsted St. in the Lakeview neighborhood, both taken over last year by affordable housing provider Full Circle Communities. The national nonprofit Preservation of Affordable Housing took over several Heartland properties on the West Side, including the 89-unit Harvest Commons at 1519 W. Warren Blvd. in the West Loop. Mercy Housing and government officials will report progress on their plans for the Leland to Judge William B. Sullivan in a July hearing. 'What we're appreciative of is that residents have been attending the court hearings since June, and the judge has always been very inclusive, and listened to what they had to say,' said Dordie Hester, a community organizer with the advocacy group ONE Northside. Martin said it's vital to preserve affordable housing, especially for the disabled, in Uptown, a gentrifying lakefront neighborhood where developers have created a lot of luxury housing. 'It's a walkable neighborhood and everything is accessible,' he said. Hester said the residents and ONE Northside, which advocates for affordable housing, neighborhood safety and clean energy, are breathing a sigh of relief but will continue to monitor how Mercy Housing's plans take shape. 'No one has made any promises to the residents directly.'
