CHICAGO (GNB): The Chicago suburb’s reparation initiative will distribute $10 million over 10 years for Black families affected by racist government policies, housing discrimination, and the lingering effects of slavery between 1919 and 1969.
Evanston’s city council passed a resolution on Monday that directs initial funding of $400,000 to a housing program that will award eligible households up to $25,000.
The City Council on Monday voted 8-1 to begin making good on its pledge to distribute $10 million over the next 10 years with the distribution of $400,000 to eligible Black households. Each qualifying household would receive $25,000 for home repairs, down payments on property, and interest or late penalties on property in the city.
The money will be distributed to each qualifying household in amounts up to $25,000. Applications will be available by mid-summer at the earliest.
Qualifying residents must either have lived in or been a direct descendant of a Black person who lived in Evanston between 1919 to 1969, or that person’s direct descendant, who suffered discrimination in housing because of city ordinances, policies or practices. Also, residents who also experienced discrimination due to the city’s policies or practices after 1969 can qualify.
Evanston voted in 2019 to create a reparations fund and has committed $10 million from a cannabis sales tax to the effort.
Under the plan, the money can be used to help buy a home, pay a mortgage or for home improvements.
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