“Chicago voters will decide whether they want to increase the Real Estate Transfer Tax (RETT) on home sales of over $1 million to create a dedicated source of funding for preventing and ending homelessness in Chicago.”
CHICAGO — Over 68,000 Chicagoans are experiencing homelessness on the streets, in shelters, or living doubled-up. Bring Chicago Home was born out of the growing need to address the housing and homelessness crisis in a real and meaningful way because when people get housed, we want them to stay housed. The best way to tackle this challenge is to strategically invest resources in permanent housing with wraparound supportive services.
On Tuesday, November 7, 2023, Chicago’s City Council approved the Bring Chicago Home binding referendum. It will appear on the March 2024 ballot when Chicago voters will decide whether they want to increase the Real Estate Transfer Tax (RETT) on home sales of over $1 million to create a dedicated source of funding for preventing and ending homelessness in Chicago.
The RETT is a small, one-time tax paid by the buyer when a property is sold. It is esti-mated to generate at least $100 million every year. It would be legally dedicated to programs that alleviate homelessness, including assistance for children, veterans, and those fleeing gender-based violence.
No matter who we are, we all need a home!
Kathy Powers is a lifetime Chicagoan. At 50, Kathy speaks out as the voice of the people. She became a revolutionary activist whose lifelong fight raises unheard voices. She is the Health Care Desk on the People’s Tribune Editorial Board.
