2014 Board of Directors
Bruce Gottschall,
President Patricia Abrams, Vice-President Ofelia Navarro, Secretary Lawrence Grisham, Ex-officio Director Calvin Holmes, Treasurer Joy Aruguete Joel Bookman Pamela Gecan Timothy Hughes Edward H. Jacob Brenda Palms-Barber Rosanna Marquez Robert McGhee Guacolda Reyes William W. Towns Marva Williams Jeffrey Wright Staff
Kara Breems, Executive Director Teresa Lambarry, Outreach Director |
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CCLT Homeowners and Friends, 
As you all well know, the CCLT tries to engage all of you as much as possible by putting together workshops and events to help you be the best homeowners in the City of Chicago! Last year's Homeowner University was an example of our efforts at education.
But - as proud as we are of our educational efforts, they pale in comparison to what many of you are experiencing as you go back to school this Fall. What makes us even happier is knowing that, for many of you, owning an affordable home means that you have funds available to pursue your education!
This month's newsletter focuses on why we go back to school, and the different opportunities that are out there for you to be able to do so.
As a bonus, I recap our wonderful Home Depot clinics, held on Wednesday, August 27, 2014. Home Depot has offered to make it possible for more of you to attend next time by offering to hold a Children's Clinic simultaneously with the CCLT (adult) clinics for next time. We hope this helps those of you who weren't able to come because you didn't have a babysitter! We take this opportunity to thank David Ocasio and Luis Rebolledo and of course Home Depot for being wonderful informative trainers - and read on for a recap of the workshop! As always, I do hope you enjoy this month's newsletter.
See you again next month! Teresa Lambarry |
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Summary of Home Depot Clinics Wednesday, August 27, 2014
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Once again - thanks to Home Depot Manager, David Ocasio and Design Counsultant Luis Rebolledo, the CCLT sponsored three successful late-summer Home Depot Clinics.
And thanks to all who participated! For those of you who couldn't make it, you're in luck: we took some notes!
Luis Rebolledo started by talking about picking the right window treatments for our homes. He suggested we should start by asking what we want from our window treatments: Privacy? Security? No Light? Lots of Light? There are a great variety of products to choose from but he showed us two popular ones. The first was the mini blinds, which many homeowners buy when they first buy their home. When measuring for a mini-blind, and assuming you want the mini-blind to be inside the window frame, take three measurements from one side of the window to the other (inside): once on top, once in the middle and once on the bottom. You then order blinds in the smallest of the measurements. Good advice!
Second are temporary accordian shades. They adhere to the top of your window frame and are pulled down. Many people like them because they are not expensive. They are made of paper, and can cost less than $5.00.
Luis explained that there are other window treatments that can be custom-made to fit your windows. These can run from affordable to very expensive. Luis recommended that, unless we have unlimited funds, we wait to buy the more expensive shades until they go on sale.
 Next was the "How to Fix A Toilet" Clinic! For the explanation of how to fix your toilet, Luis was joined by Arnaldo from the Plumbing department. Together they did a great job of explaning the ins and outs of replacing parts, and of looking for leaks before they become a catastrophe! He explained that fixing your toilet is not as daunting a task as it might seem. He also explained that most of the replacement parts for a toilet are all under $20 and are sold separately. The most labor intensive task is having to change the entire inside of your toilet because of a leak. Arnaldo also showed us how to install a more efficient modern mechanism that uses less water and has two levers that you flush one a lighter flush and the other a heavier flush. To install this mechansim, you might have to drain the toilet receptacle completely in order to unsrew your entire flushing mechanism, and then follow the very specific instructions on the manufacturer's box which tells you exactly where to put the mechanism, and where to align the new flushing handle - which is pretty much all there is to it. In order to modify how much water you want in your toilet you screw or unsrew the screw that regulates the water intake.
Believe me if I was able to do it you will be able to do it!
The final clinic - Drywall Repair and Painting - was presented by Luis and he went over a couple of the ready- mixed compounds that are now available to patch any holes in your drywall. You can now purchase mesh drywall repair patches, then cover with drywall compound, which goes on pink when first applied but turns white once it is fully dry. This keeps you from trying to continue to patch when the area is not dry enough. Patience!
Luis also spent some time talking about painting: he recommended that when we paint, we should first wash down the walls with TSP (TriSodium Phosphate). This will ensure that your wall is correctly prepped. You then should use Primer and two coats of paint to get a professional-looking finish on your paint job. One thing that I learned is that you should never paint with a flat paint unless you DON'T have children because flat paint does not do well when washed.
Thank you, once again, to our wonderful partners at the Home Depot - and to the homeowners who were able to attend. Next time we hope to see even more of you there!
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You may be thinking; "Should I, should I not go back to school?" Is it worth it? There will always be pros and cons - so here are some of them.
Pros might include:
- You have always wanted to get your next degree - be it an Associates, Bachelors, Masters or Doctoral degree!;
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You may get paid more with a degree;
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A degree might help you to get a job you love, or have always wanted to do.
Cons may include:
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Not being able to pay cash for your degree and having to go into debt as a result;
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Someone's pushing you to go back school, you're not doing it solely for yourself;
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Being a single parent makes it harder to raise children while trying to get a degree.
If you are really serious about going back to school and pursuing a college education, don't let anything stop you. If one of the reasons is the lack of money, remember that there are resources out there to help you. One of the ways to pay for college is by filling out a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to apply for financial aid. Also, start looking into scholarships on websites like fastweb.com and scholarships.com.
If you are a working single parent, find colleges that will be able to accommodate your schedule.
If you do live in the City of Chicago, you should consider attending City Colleges of Chicago. These two-year community colleges help you earn an associate's degree and help you graduate debt free. These collegues also encourage students to attend four year universities after you graduate with could include University of Chicago, University of Illinois at Chicago, etc.
It is never too late to go back to college. Do your research - and you will set yourself on the road to success.
More Info: Going Back to School Article contributed by Meghann Davis, CCLT Intern 2014. |
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Programs to Assist Homeowners
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While you have seen this information before, I include it because it is important! Please let you family and friends know about these opportunities.
H.O.M.E Program: This program helps senior homeowners who meet income and home value qualifications to rehab their homes in order meet local housing codes and standards. For more information on this program and others for Seniors please click here.
The Department of Planning and Development offers the following program throughout the year.
Small Accessible Repairs for Seniors (SARFS): Free program deals with the safety, security and accessibility for seniors. For more information about the program please see flyer click here.
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CCLT Homeowner Tip of the Month
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If you have question or are not sure about something in the Restrictive Covenant regarding refinancing, selling or renting please do not heistate to call the CCLT. We are there for you, call Teresa Lambarry @ 312.744.5086 or email her at teresa.lambarry@cityofchicago.org.
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Get Involved in Your Community
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One of our Outreach Partners has sent us the following, which is a great way to get involved in your community:
September Adopt-a-Beach
Date: Saturday, September 20, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Location: Montrose Beach, 4400 N. Lakeshore Dr.
Cost: Free
Tired of finding plastic bags, food wrappers and other unsightly trash littering your favorite Great Lakes beach? Be part of the solution and join thousands of volunteers in cleaning Great Lakes shorelines during the Alliance for the Great Lake's Annual September Adopt-a-Beach™ Event. Volunteers who participate in the event not only remove debris, they also record their findings. In 2013, more than 6,800 volunteers removed 19,000 pounds of trash from 260 sites. The Montrose Beach event will be hosted by the Sierra Club.
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Monthly Calendar of Events
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September 20, 2014
Get some apple pie and cider, listen to local music, or visit the kid zone at Apple Fest on N Lincoln Avenue from Leland to Lawrence. Donation.
Logan Square Beer Festival
September 20, 2014
September 20 - 21, 2014
Design Harvest features local furniture and accessory makers, live music, a square dance, food and beer, and family activities like hayrides and pumpkin painting on W Grand Ave. at Wood. Free.
Taco Festival
September 20 - 21, 2014
Try tacos from 8 restaurants and vote for the best, taste beer, hear live music, and see arts and crafts at Lakeview Taco Fest on Southport Avenue. Donation.
Locally Made Festival
September 20 - 21, 2014
September 26 - 28, 2014
Chicago Gourmet is a premium food and wine event with 100 chefs, cooking demonstrations, beer and food pavilions, and wine tastings in Millennium Park.
St. Alphonsus Oktoberfest
September 26 - 28, 2014
Enjoy beer, bratwurst, pretzels, live music, and arts & crafts and a children's "Kinderfest" on Sunday afternoon at Oktoberfest Chicago on N Lincoln Ave. at Southport. Cost.
Edgewater Art Fair
September 27 - 28, 2014
Edgewater Fall Art Fair features 60 local artists, live music, a beer garden, fashion show, kids' corner, and pet parade on Granville Ave. at Broadway. Donation.
September 27 - Oct. 31, 2014
Enjoy performances, exhibitions, open studios, demonstrations, and neighborhood art walks during Chicago Artists Month.
Pumpkin Patches & Corn Mazes
October 1 - 31, 2014
Enjoy pumpkin patches, hayrides, and corn mazes on these farms listed alphabetically. Verify hours.
October 3, 2014
Zoovies are free outdoor movies at Lincoln Park Zoo at dusk on July 24, Aug. 21, Sept. 5, and Oct. 3.
- Ghostbusters & The Shining - Oct. 3 (Oct. 10 if rain)
Art Fair Indoors
October 3 - 4, 2014 (5 to 8 p.m.)
Enjoy visual art, music, and fashion in restaurants and shops during West Town Art Walk. Party central is the parking lot at 1445 W Chicago Ave. Free.
Fire festival
October 4, 2014
The Great Chicago Fire Festival launches in 2014 as a procession of illuminated floating fiberglass sculptures and a fire spectacle on the Chicago River with acrobatics, live music, and amazing machines. Free.
Ravenswood Art Walk
October 4 - 5, 2014
Visit 150 artists in tents and shops along Ravenswood Avenue during Ravenswood ArtWalk.
Circus in the Park
October 4 - 19, 2014 (begins Aug. 30)
Midnight Circus in the Parks is a series of daytime shows at eight parks that's perfect for families. Cost.
October 9 - 23, 2014
The Chicago International Film Festival features more than 100 short and full-length films from 50 countries, free panel discussions, and opening night gala. Films show at the AMC River East 21. Cost.
Beer Festival
October 10 - 11, 2014
Beer Hoptacular is all about celebrating craft beers, voting for the best, and hearing live music at Lacuna Artist Loft Studios in Pilsen. Cost.
Andersonville Arts Weekend
October 10 - 12, 2014
Andersonville Arts Weekend begins Friday night with receptions in galleries and shops, followed by scheduled exhibits, readings, shows, and art walks.
October 13, 2014
The Columbus Day Parade celebrates the historic voyage of Christopher Columbus to America and Italian-American culture. It begins at Balbo Ave. and goes north on Columbus Drive to Monroe St. Free.
Fashion Shows
October 14 - 19, 2014
Fashion Focus is a week-long celebration of Chicago's fashion industry that includes designer shows in a tent at Millennium Park. Cost.
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CCLT Spotlight: Board Member
 Guacolda Reyes
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In addition to being a CCLT Board member since our founding, Guacolda Reyes serves as the Vice President of Real Estate Development at The Resurrection Project (TRP). In her tenure at TRP, Ms. Reyes has executed over $100 million dollars in real estate closings, through low-income rental apaprtments, single family homes, educational facilities and commercial space development. Prior to joining TRP in April of 1997, Ms. Reyes was a Research Assistant at the Center for Urban Economic Development and an intern with TRP. In 1993, she received her Master's degree in Urban Planning and Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago, focusing on housing and economic development.
A native of Chile, Ms. Reyes received her BA in Social Work from the Catholic University. Before moving to Chicago, she worked for several years as a community organizer for the Centro de Educación y Technología. Ms. Reyes has been a board member of Latino Policy Forum (formerly known as Latinos United) since March 1998, Chicago Rehab Network since April 2000, board member of Business and Professional People for the Public Interest (BPI) since May 2011, and, of course, a board member of the CCLT since 2006! Ms. Reyes and her husband have two daughters and have lived in Pilsen since 1997.
Our Interview with Ms. Reyes:
Q. How long have you been involved with the CCLT?
A: I have been involved with the CCLT since the beginning - 2006!
Q. What motivates you to continue to work with the CCLT?
A: It motivates me to see how our work impacts the lives of Chicago families. We are providing affordable homeownership opportunities to hard working families that are ready to become homeowners so they can take pride of their home and their block and work with neighbors to make their community a healthier community; one step at a time!
Q. Any recommendations for our CCLT homeowners?
A: The Land Trust is a great tool that is helping you to preserve your affordable home by reducing property taxes and by giving homeownership opportunities to families that are ready to buy and make a long term investment in their communities.
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Community and Ward Information |
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CCLT homeowners live in the 2nd, 3rd, 26th, 28th, 35th, 46th, 47th, and 49th Wards. Click the links below for information regarding your Alderman, your Ward, and your Community, including links to City events in your Ward! If you are in a different Ward or do not know what Ward you are in, please give me a call or shoot me an email and I will let you know.
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Event Calendar
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Genesis Housing Development Coporation
"First Steps" to the Road to Homeownership!
Saturday, September 20, 2014
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Apostolic Church of God
6320 S. Dorchester, Chicago, IL 60637
Gymnasium
Bring the following documents:
Current Bank Statement
Current Credit Report w/score (free at
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Visit the CCLT's google calendar for the latest information on Post Purchase CCLT homeowner classes and workshops sponsored by us and our partners, all of which are offered at no cost.
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Let your family and friends know!
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CCLT RESALE UNIT LARGE TOWNHOME LOCATED AT 1756 N. Kedzie (Logan Square) $181,000
4 bedroom - 2.1 baths, located in Logan Square! Open floor plan with hardwood floors, washer and dryer in main level, maple kitchen cabinets, 9' ceilings, space on 2nd level for a sitting/office room, large unfinished basement.
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Your total household income
must be equal or less than 80% AMI
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1 person $40,550
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2 persons $46,350
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3 persons $52,150
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4 persons $57,900
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5 persons $62,550
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6 persons $67,200
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7 persons $71,800
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8 persons $76,450
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Must meet income requirements and have a bank pre-approval in order to view. Please call Nadia Stewart at 773. 909.6384 to make an appointment.
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Single Family Home - Humboldt Park
1632 North Sawyer
$165,000 - Area Median Income must be at or below 80% to purchase (income chart above.
3 bedrooms, 11/2 bath, unfinished basement
Energy efficient constructions.
Please call Raul Echevarria if interested in property at 708.522.4873.
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And remember...
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You can visit us online for information on the CCLT.
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