This page will be updated as the project evolves Last Update 4/16/25

In the spirit of the “Development Without Displacement” policy of Voice and POAH, we are sharing information and enlisting input of residents well before plans are finalized. (See the Resident Survey at this link.)

POAH and Voice are committed to communicating and collaborating with residents, property management, contractors, and service providers to assure that tenants benefit by high quality new leased homes.

A list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) has been created which tenants may find useful before and during the rehab process. Residents are also encouraged to contact either POAH management or call the Voice if they have other questions or concerns.

GENERAL

Q: Which buildings will be affected by this rehab? A: Five buildings, including:

• 4431-41 N. Clifton
• 927 W. Wilson
• 900-902 W. Windsor/4534-40 N. Hazel
• 847 W. Sunnyside
• 4130 N. Kenmore

Q:  I heard that the buildings are being renovated so they can move us out and rent at market rate.  Is that true? A: No, POAH and Voice of the People are committed to keeping housing affordable and we do not intend to price out you or your family. Not only is preservation of affordable housing part of POAH’s and VOP’s missions, but the funding for this project legally requires us to keep units affordable.   

Q: Will the rent increase? A: It is possible that your rent will increase slightly over time, but this is unrelated to the rehab of the property. In any case, your rent will never increase beyond the affordability limits for your household income.

Q: Why do we have to do this now? A: Like all buildings, with the passage of time, these buildings need repairs that we can’t do as part of routine maintenance. If we wait longer, the condition of the buildings will get worse over time.

Q: I have more children now and would like a bigger apartment. Can I be assigned to a bigger apartment? A: If you would like to request a later unit, you should do so through the usual channels. This is a process completely separate from the rehab.

Q: When will construction start? A: We are targeting December 2024/January 2025, but there are many reasons why this could be delayed.

TEMPORARY RELOCATION

Q: Where are we going to live when the buildings are being renovated? Will it be in the Uptown neighborhood? A: This project will most likely require you to temporarily relocate while construction takes place in your unit. If that happens, we will provide you with a hotel room (or rooms, depending on the size of your household) OR a temporary apartment that’s reasonably close to your current home. You do not have to pay for temporary accommodations.

Q: How long do we have to stay in temporary housing? A: That will depend on the construction scope of work, but temporary relocation can last between a 3 weeks and several months, depending on the scope of work for your building.

Q: When do we have to move? A: That will depend on the construction schedule and sequencing of buildings, which is yet unknown. We want you to be as prepared as possible so we will update you regularly with at least ballpark timing. At the very least, we are required by federal law to issue a 30-day notice for your moving date.

Q: How will I get my mail (bills, income checks etc)? A: Depending on construction schedule, we will determine days and times when you can access your mailbox to retrieve your mail.

Q: I have a caretaker or housekeeper who normally helps me, can they continue to see me if/while I am temporarily relocated? A: Yes, we will work with the hotel to make sure that your caregiver can still visit you.

Q: I have children in schools nearby, I need to be temporarily located near their school(s). Is that possible? A: Yes, in most cases we should be able to accommodate this.   

Q: My work is nearby, I need to live close to my job. Is this possible? A: Yes, in most cases we should be able to accommodate this.  

Q: Are we taking all of our possessions with us? A: If you are moved to a temporary apartment, a moving company will move your belongings with you. Off-site storage is also an option. All moving and storage will come at no cost to you.

Q: If I can’t take them with me, what happens with all of my belongings? A: Moving and storage will be provided at no cost to you.

Q: What if I have so much stuff that even boxing them up doesn’t leave enough room for construction? A: In limited cases, we will arrange to move some of your belongings to temporary storage at no cost to you.  

Q: Will someone help us pack?  I have mobility issues. A: Yes, movers will be available to help you pack at no charge.

Q: Moving supplies are expensive.  Will we have support? A: Yes, you will not pay for moving supplies.

Q: Will we have help moving to and from our temporary location? A: Yes, movers will be available to help you move to a temporary relocation.

Q: How long will we be away from our home? A: That will depend on the construction scope of work, relocation can take between 3 weeks and several months, depending on the scope of work in your building.

Q: What if I have more questions or concerns about relocation? A: Every household will meet one-on-one with a relocation consultant several months before construction start to make sure that we have considered your and your family’s needs. This process will start in June/July 2024.

Q: Will the temporary hotel room be accessible? A: Yes, we will make sure that your temporary home meets your accessibility needs.

CONSTRUCTION

Q: Can I go into my unit during construction if I’m temporarily relocated? A: For safety reasons, you should plan to have NO access to your unit while it’s under construction. Plan to bring all necessary items such as medication, important personal documents, etc.

Q: What will the renovated unit look like? A: How your unit is upgraded will depend on the scope of work, which is not yet final. Scope of work will be different from building to building, and from unit to unit.

In addition, both POAH and Voice want to meet with tenants, connect them to services and opportunities, and survey their thoughts about needs and priorities for the buildings they live in.  We are asking each resident to complete the survey below in one of three ways: (1) complete and submit the survey online; (2) fill out and submit a written version and submit it to our offices at 847 W Sunnyside or 4611 N Sheridan; or (3) call Voice office for phone-assisted survey (773) 769-2442.