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LSNA works with Lathrop Homes

Lathrop Homes, a Chicago Housing Authority site across the river in Hamlin Park, has long been involved in the Logan Square Neighborhood Association and has been a steady partner to LSNA, through the membership of Schneider Elementary School and Church of the Good News, both located adjacent to Lathrop Homes. Lathrop Homes is currently the only CHA development whose future is still officially considered "to be determined."


A team of Lathrop residents has organized and developed a vision for Lathrop Homes. Their vision is described below:

Our Vision: an Intentional Community at Lathrop Homes

Our vision of the Lathrop Homes community is of a racially and economically diverse community of people that are committed to interact with one another, learn from one another, and socialize with each other in an affordable and safe environment.

The elements of our vision include transformations in Housing, Employment and Economic Development, Education, Transportation, Social Services, and Community Spaces.

Housing:

  • All of Lathrop Homes will be affordable to low-income, working-class and moderate-income households. The community will not include "market rate" units (which are being built in large numbers all around Lathrop).
  • Maximize opportunities for current and former Lathrop residents to live in the community.
  • Include larger apartments that are adequate for large families. 
  •  Include cooperative housing that help working class people purchase their units.
  • Include senior housing
  • Housing for college students that are doing urban internships and seminarians.
  • Opportunities for teachers, artists, and social workers and public service employees to rent or to buy in the community.

Employment and Economic Development :

  • Job Training
  • Community businesses that are staffed and frequented by residents.
  •  Businesses that provide training and job opportunities.

Education:

  • An elementary school that opens its doors for community activities, mentoring and educational opportunities for children and their families.
  • High schools that are safe and prepare students for their future.
  • Innovative programs to engage teenagers and stem the 50% dropout rate.
  • Adult education opportunities.
  • Mentoring and counseling for older students and their families to ensure that they are able to support themselves as adults.
  • Vocational education
  • College recruitment

Safety:

  • Activities and mentoring for young people to involve them in positive lifestyles.
  • Gang intervention programs
  • Police and community response to guns, drugs, and violence
  • Community and police intervention to issues such as truancy and petty criminal activities.
  • Services for youth and adults that need intervention

Transportation:

  • Availability of reliable and safe public transportation
  • Center for Neighborhood Technology's I-GO car sharing program
  • Parking for residents
  • Car pooling opportunities

Social Services:

  • Provide family and individual counseling
  • Provide safe, affordable and fun child care
  • Utilize community spaces for services
  • Ensure services fit the community needs

Community Spaces:

  • Community Centers with classroom, cooking and dining facilities, and performance space.
  • Day Care Centers
  • Community Gardens
  • Indoor sports facility and outdoor places to play
  • Music School
  • Library

For more information on the vision and/or how you can get involved, please contact Tami at 773-549-5025.