Politics & Government

Crowd Protests Chateau Evictions, Bashes Cappleman (PHOTOS)

The group took turns at the mic relaying why Chateau Hotel and SROs need to remain in Lake View, subsequently bashing officials regarding the loss of affordable housing.

A throng of protestors took to Chateau Hotel’s entryway Thursday night, chanting with signs and giving speaches regarding the upcoming loss of the single room occupancy housing facility. 

Organized by advocacy group Lakeview Action Coalition, multiple residents and even a priest took the mic to let attendees know what Chateau means to them.

Elizabeth Hartline, a resident at Chateau, said she turned to the SRO after losing her job as a financial advisor after 14 years of employment, subsequently losing her housing. She added she’s still waiting for the housing assistance promised by Ald. James Cappleman (46th).

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“Stop displacing us immediately,” Hartline shouted. “We’re going to postpone the evictions here as long as possible.”

Another resident, Robert Rohdunberg, followed Hartline’s speech. He told the crowd he was gay and lived in the Chateau Hotel so he could live affordably near a community that accepted him.

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“I’m a gay man who moved here to be in a welcoming, tolerant community,” he said. “… Now I’m being kicked out by a gay alderman.”

Cappleman, while not in attendance, says he’s working hard with the Department of Family Support Services to work with each tenant regarding where they can move to and what benefits they’re eligible for. There are roughly 75 residents remaining in the Chateau, and the LAC says eviction court summons could begin any day.

One of the last to speak was LAC President and Lincoln Park Community Shelter Executive Director Erin Ryan. She said, as a social worker herself, nothing Cappleman has done of late resembles the ethics of a social worker.

“We can’t afford any more homelessness in our city,” Ryan said to loud applause. “… I’m a social worker myself, and Ald. Cappleman’s actions are totally out of touch (with the ethics of a social worker).” 


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