Publications
The Voorhees Center has produced many publications over the years. Some are available in PDF format. If you are interested in a publication listed that is not available electronically, please call the Center at 312-996-6336.
Data and Democracy Project: Investing in Neighborhoods
Collaboration of the Nathalie P. Voorhees Center for Neighborhood and Community Improvement and the Collaborative for Equity and Justice in Education (2008). Report on CPS' plan to close or consolidate 11 schools, and turn-around 8 schools.
Locating Affordable and Accessible Housing for People with Disabilities in Illinois
IHARP Report, 2007. Report examines accessibility of subsidized units and provides an estimate of units statewide that have accessible/adaptable features. Rrecommendations are given on how to diminish the disconnect between accessible units and the people that need them. The report is also available in accessible format, by calling the Center at 312-996-6336.
Impact Study: Comparing two proposals for North Shore Estates
Prepared by Voorhees Center staff (2006) for Family Services of South Lake County. The study examines the potential impact of two proposals for the redevelopment of North Shore Estates in Highwood Park, IL
Affordable Housing Conditions and Outlook in Chicago: An Early Warning for Intervention
Prepared by Voorhees Center staff (2006) Summary Report. This study produces a more precise understanding of the housing situation in Chicago by quantifying the supply and demand of affordable housing and then providing an outlook on the potential mismatch between the two in the next five years. Specifically, the report determines what number of households were low income based on their size: small (1-3 person) or large (4-8 person) and determines the number of units affordable to them based on affordability and units size: small (0-2 bedroom) or large (3+ bedroom).
Gentrification before Gentrification? The Plight of Pilsen in Chicago
Voorhees Center White Paper, Summer (2005), John Betancur, Associate Professor, Urban Planning and Policy.
Humboldt Park Demographic and Housing Survey
Prepared for Latin United Community Housing Association (LUCHA), 2005. Report is a survey of demographic and housing data used to assess conditions and trends in the Humboldt Park community.
The Case for Transit-Oriented Development in the Greater Roseland Area
Prepared for Developing Communities Project (DCP), 2005. Report examines the three alternative routes for the proposed extension of the CTA Red Line from 95th Street to 130th, paying particular attention to the route advocated by the community. Report includes in-depth analysis of transit-oriented development at one of the proposed stops on the community route.
HOME Program
IHARP Report, 2004. Report provides and independent evaluation of the HOME Investment Partnerships Program and the use of HOME funds in Illinois. The report focuses primarily on the types for projects that have been completed, who have benefited and the program's ability to meet diverse local housing needs.
Senior Housing on Chicago's Southwest Side: With a Focus on Latino Seniors, A Market Feasibility Study
Prepared for The Resurrection Project (TRP), 2004. The report assesses the feasibility of developing housing and specifically an affordable supportive living facility (SLF) for seniors on Chicago's southwest side.
Affordable Housing Cooperatives: Conditions and Prospects in Chicago
Prepared for Chicago Mutual Housing Network (CMHN), 2004. Report assesses conditions and prospects of the affordable housing cooperative model in Chicago and includes strategies, which if aggressively pursued, will gradually elevate the place of affordable housing cooperatives as an affordable housing option.
Evaluation of the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program in Illinois (PDF, 1.4MB)
IHARP Report, 2002. Includes analysis of the affordability of Tax Credit projects, differences in projects across the State, the role of non-profit developers and highlights the beginning of affordability expiration of Tax Credit projects in 2002.
Gentrification in West Town: Contested Ground (PDF, 1.1MB)
Prepared for Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation (BRC), 2001.The study documents the changes and trends in the West Town community and includes strategies for the Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation to preserve and defend the affordability of housing in this rapidly gentrifying neighborhood.
Highland Park Affordable Housing Needs and Implementation Plan
Prepared for the City of Highland Park, 2001. This report concerns findings based on data collected to document changes in the population and housing affecting affordable housing demand in the past few years, and recommendations based on strategies that were deemed feasible and appropriate for helping the city of Highland Park preserve and develop affordable housing. The plan was adopted by the City Council on January 22, 2001 and is now an element of Highland Park's Master Plan. Since its adoption, the City has received several awards. In 2002, the Plan received the Illinois Tomorrow Award which highlighted outstanding balanced growth initiatives. In 2003, the City won the AIA Illinois- A Council of the American Institute of Architects Honor Award. Recently, the Plan won the American Planning Association (APA) 2006 Current Topic Award for Housing Choice and Affordability.
IHARP Annual Report (PDF, 980K)
IHARP Report, 1999. The annual report highlights the affordability expiration of Project-Based Section 8 developments in Illinois as well as the accomplishments of Illinois Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
Assessment of Housing Investment and Price Trends in the West Englewood Community
Prepared for the Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago, Inc. (NHS), 1999.The report assesses the trends in residential lending, residential sales, and quality of life in several of Chicago's most distressed communities. The West Englewood Community Area is examined in general, and more specifically in the NHS target area within West Englewood. Similar studies were also prepared for North Lawndale, South Lawndale, Pilsen and Roseland.
The Plan to Voucher out Public Housing: An Analysis of the Chicago Experience and a Case Study of the Proposal to Redevelop the Cabrini-Green Public Housing Area
VNC Staff Report, 1997.