Last June we released a statement in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder. Sadly, not a year later, and only weeks into the trial of his murderer, we must join the voices of the individuals and organizations speaking out against the violence against black and brown people. In just two weeks, two young men have lost a future of unknown potential at the hands of a system that should be in place to serve and protect—one of these young men, Adam Toledo, a 13-year-old Chicago resident.

We offer condolences to the families who are experiencing this unimaginable grief, as well as the Little Village community. Know that we are mourning with you.

As we have during our 54-year history, we continue to stand in solidarity with our community; our residents, staff, board, neighbors, and particularly the Black and Latino communities and those on the front lines of the ongoing fight for justice and equity. We will continue to work with our elected officials and other public servants to engage our residents in the safety of their communities.

We commit ourselves to continue the work to fix our broken systems.

One of these broken systems has resulted in a housing crisis, which has disproportionately affected black and brown people and created instability in their lives. Severely cost-burdened households are more likely than other renters to sacrifice other necessities like healthy food and healthcare to pay the rent. They are also more like to experience housing insecurity with situations like eviction.

Stable housing creates opportunities for education, jobs, and community engagement. The whole community benefits when individuals feel a sense of stability. Bickerdike continues to address these challenges head-on through our work.

We are preserving our current housing stock with recapitalization and rehabilitation projects such as the Victory Apartments Preservation and working on new construction developments such as the Emmett Street Apartments. Additionally, we are engaged in promoting fair housing and balanced development policy initiatives through advocacy and organizing efforts.

We are committed to redoubling efforts in 2021 and beyond, ensuring that Chicago remains a city for all of its diverse residents. We believe everyone should have a place they call home in a community they can call neighbors.