50 Years of Fighting for Fair Housing
Open Communities celebrates 50 years of fighting for fair housing on Chicago's North Shore. This post explains why and our future plans
Redlining – Still an Issue in 2022
Redlining still exists - but now it is digital redlining. What is digital redlining, and how is Open Communities fighting it?
Meet Our 50th Anniversary Award Recipients
Open Communities celebrates 50 years and presents The Emerging Municipality Award, Spirit of Open Communities Award, and Jean Cleland Award.
Cook County's Just Housing Amendment (JHA) Important for Fair Housing
Learn about Cook County's Just Housing Amendment (JHA) and how it impacts housing providers and people with criminal records.
Open Communities Part of Settlement with Redfin, Expanding Access for Communities of Color
Open Communities is part of a settlement with Redfin, expanding access to real estate services in communities of color.
Open Communities’ New Fair Housing Associate, Dominic Voz, Brings Passion to the Job
Open Communities New Fair Housing Associate on his new role and what is important to know about fair housing right now.
Open Communities Part of Historic Fair Housing Settlement with Fannie Mae
Open Communities was part of a $53 million settlement with Fannie Mae confirming fair housing laws cover the maintenance & marketing of REOs
Open Communities’ Housing Counselor, Kayla Williams
One of our newer housing counselors, Kayla Williams, explains what a housing counselor does, how she found her way to Open Communities,...
Open Communities' Fair Housing Plans for 2022
How Open Communities plans to enforce fair housing laws in 2022. Written by Fair Housing Department Director Chris Riehlmann.
Meet Open Communities' New CEO, Cheryl Lawrence
Cheryl Lawrence, JD, joins Open Communities as CEO. Meet Cheryl and learn why she joined Open Communities.
A Note From Mary Ellen
Mary Ellen Ball says goodbye to Open Communities and recaps her time with the organization.
Announcing Our New Partnership with Connections for the Homeless
Open Communities & Connections for the Homeless are partnering on an eviction prevention program.
We are Launching a New Eviction Prevention Program
Open Communities launches a new eviction prevention program for justice-impacted people.
Open Communities on WBBM-AM Newsradio Talking about the Eviction Moratorium Ending
Interview with Mary Ellen Ball from Open Communities about eviction prevention on WBBM-AM Newsradio.
Open Communities on WGN-TV Talking about the Eviction Moratorium Expiring
Open Communities' CEO Mary Ellen Ball talks with WGN-TV about the eviction moratorium expiring and what people should do.
Notes from Our First In-Person Gathering
The Open Communities staff gathered in person for the first time in many months, thanks to Covid-19, to make plans for the coming year.
Open Communities on Fox 32 Chicago Talking About Evictions
Open Communities' CEO Mary Ellen Ball talks with Fox-32 in Chicago about the eviction moratorium ending and what people need to know.
What to Do if You Are Facing Eviction as the Federal Eviction Moratorium Ends
Open Communities offers steps to take if you are facing eviction.
The State of the Housing Market - Red Hot, or Not?
Open Communities Board member, Joanne Rogers, VP of Mortgage at Guaranteed Rate, explains the unfair current "hot" housing market.
Fair Housing - Will It Ever Be Truly Fair?
Board member Erica Page Muhammad writes about fair housing and homeownership from her perspective as a Black woman.
