Volunteer with Plainfield Pride at Northern Illinois Food Bank
JOLIET — Help sort and prepare food for distribution this Thursday at Plainfield Pride’s monthly volunteer gig at the Northern Illinois food bank. Individuals, couples, families, and even kids are welcome to join the effort, happening every third Thursday. The only requirement: shoes with closed toes. “Your time and effort can bring hope and nourishment to countless individuals and families in need,” Plainfield Pride writes in its general invitation to join the effort. Gather 5:30 to 7:30 at the food bank’s South Suburban Center at 171 S Larkin Ave., Rockford. You can also learn about additional volunteer opportunities with and through Plainfield Pride by emailing volunteer@plainfieldpride.org.
Tenants, landlords invited to learn about disability discrimination
DEKALB –Learn about your rights as a disabled tenant, and your responsibliities as a landlord to disabled tenants, at a midday session Wednesday that you can attend in person, or by zoom. DeKalb is offering the Fair Housing workshop about tenant and landlord rights and responsibilities. You can learn about housing service and support animals, live-in caregivers, and more. “Landlords and property managers will leave with a clearer understanding of their obligations under the law, while tenants, caregivers, and individuals living with disabilities will learn more about their rights, available protections, and where to seek assistance if discrimination occurs,” organizers wrote. The workshop is 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the DeKalb Township, 2323 S. 4th St.. Lunch will be provided to those who pre-register by calling 815-758-8282. To attend by zoom, call and ask for the zoom link.
Affordable housing apartments in historic hotel now available
ROCKFORD — More than 50 new affordable apartments are available in Rockford after a historic hotel was converted over three years (WIFR). The new Lafayette Apartments at 411 Mulberry St. feature three “live-work” units for artists, in addition to 54 affordable housing units. The four-story building was built in 1927 and housed actors and actresses for decades, then transient housing, before being abandoned in 2023. The project is funded by $18 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) 2024 HOME Rental Rehabilitation program that requires at least 20 percent of the housing units to be occupied by people with incomes below 50% of the area median income, around $34,620 a year (My Stateline).
