Chicago, IL. ----  (June 1, 2006) - In conjunction with the Chicago Rehab Network, Congressman Bobby L. Rush will be among the conveners at the free Southside Housing Summit, which will examine the scope of the South Side housing crisis and possible ways to save dwindling affordable housing on Saturday, June 3, 2006 at Martin Luther King High School, 4445 S. Drexel Blvd, Chicago, IL, from 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Congressman Rush will serve as keynote speaker.

 “With the rise in popularity and soaring real estate prices on the South Side, I am concerned about the future of affordable housing as it threatens to push residents to the suburbs or other parts of the city,” said Rush, who has been active in housing issues throughout the First Congressional District. “This Summit presents an opportunity for all levels of government, residents, owners and community leaders to work together, and come up with viable solutions that preserves affordable housing options.”

 The Chicago Rehab Network estimates that the City of Chicago stands to lose over 9,000 of 12,400 units tied to affordable rental housing programs. “Our goal isn’t creation of a new entity, but a desire to help organizations, community and political leaders dealing with housing issues look at how we can protect rental housing public dollars were used to build, finance or maintain,” said Kevin Jackson, executive director of the Chicago Rehab Network. “The federal government currently has contracts with property owners, who receive subsidies for renting some apartments in their buildings at below market rates. These subsidized apartments are not linked to individual housing vouchers, but are kept affordable by the contracts between owners and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Every contract that expires means fewer options for low- and moderate- income renters.”

 The Summit will include residents, community and political leaders, owners, local federal housing officials, and other stakeholders. Attendees will have an opportunity to speak to government officials, network with community leaders and building owners.

 The Summit’s goals are to provide factual information, help community leaders and building owners better understand options and resources available for housing preservation, meet public officials, forge partnerships, and make saving these units part of community planning efforts. Additional summits are being considered to highlight the crisis in other parts of the city.

 For more information about Congressman Rush, please visit www.house.gov/rush. 

 For more information about the Chicago Rehab Network, please visit www.chicagorehab.org.