Featured Stories
The people of Chicago have always known what they need. Project Pathway is here to listen. Through ongoing conversations with renters across the city, we're building a living picture of what tenants are experiencing — the barriers, the victories, and the gaps in resources and support.
Every voice on this page is helping shape the resources, tools, and support we bring to this city.
Taylor’s Story
Taylor has lived at Fernwood Communities since 2021. After years of unresolved maintenance issues and a roach infestation that went largely unaddressed, she took matters into her own hands — documenting every report, withholding rent, and helping organize resident meetings that drew over 40 neighbors. Her story is one of persistence, community, and the power of tenants who refuse to be ignored.
Q:
A:
What is your hope for tenants in Chicago?
“We started holding resident meetings... we even had to leave the library because it got so big.”
— Taylor, Chicago renter, South Side
FX’s Story
FX has lived in his apartment complex since 2016 and never planned to become a tenant organizer. A longtime Chicago activist, he found himself thrown into a new fight — one closer to home. When roach infestations, predatory towing, and unaddressed maintenance issues began affecting his neighbors, especially seniors, he started knocking on doors. He's organized resident meetings, connected with citywide tenant rights organizations, and is working to leave his complex with something that will outlast him: a tenant union. His message to anyone starting out is simple — focus on community first.
Q:
A:
What should folks keep in mind when organizing for their housing rights?
“Focus on community first. What can be solved with neighbors looking after neighbors — without even bringing the landlords into the conversation?"
— FX, Chicago renter, South Side
Ready to tell your story?
Have you organized your neighbors, battled landlords, and demanded better for your community? Want to tell your story of taking back your power in housing? Submit it here.
