As a college student in the late ’70s, I traveled to Oak Park to research their programs promoting intentional and stable residential integration, including a one-on-one meeting with the village attorney. Impressed with the community’s vision, I moved to Oak Park in 1984 with the help of the Oak Park Regional Housing Center, which connected me to an apartment on the 100 block of North Humphrey. After 40 years, I remain a resident of east Oak Park.
The June 26 Wednesday Journal article, “Village may cease funding for OP Regional Housing Center,” highlights the strained relationship between the village and the Housing Center. This tension has persisted through several budget cycles.
The Housing Center is a vital part of this community and, as a nonprofit, it lacks the resources available to the village. The village board must take the first step in resolving this strained relationship. In the past, the village has dedicated staff and financial resources to address many community issues, including the recent migrant situation.
The closure of the Housing Center would not benefit Oak Park.
Richard Willis
Past Oak Park Township Trustee
Community Mental Health Board Member