Working to build workforce housing: Hamilton Housing, Inc.

If you type “housing” in the search bar on the WTIP website, hundreds of archived stories will pop up. Housing has been a topic of discussion in board meetings of every branch of local government for decades. It seems we all know someone who wants to live and work in Cook County, but can’t find a home.

As government entities consider ways to help create housing—through zoning changes, possible tax breaks for developers, and the establishment of a Housing Redevelopment Authority—there are small projects happening now.

Some community members have seen the need for housing and have done something about it. WTIP is reaching out to some of these builders and developers to learn more about some small projects that have been done.

WTIP’s Rhonda Silence asks for their definition of affordability. What are the obstacles to building housing? What has been helpful?

Once a week we’ll share what we’ve learned. Here’s the third in this series featuring Anna Hamilton of Hamilton Habitat, Inc., who along with her sister, Sarah Hamilton, has developed four homes for local residents and is working on more.

Learn more about other workforce housing projects here:

Working to build workforce housing: a motel conversion

Working to build workforce housing: Matt Groth of Grand Marais Construction

The first Hamilton Habitat house is now the home of a local school teacher - Image courtesy of Hamilton Habitat, Inc.

A peek inside the Hamilton Habitat third project - Photo courtesy of Hamilton Habitat, Inc.

This Hamilton Habitat home is brand new construction. Photo courtesy of Hamilton Habitat, Inc.

Lots of lovely finishes in the recent home rehab project. Photo courtesy of Hamilton Habitat, Inc.

Hamilton Habitat's rehab of a house that had been sitting empty for over a decade. Photo courtesy of Hamilton Habitat, Inc.

Rhonda Silence July 5, 2021