My name is Meliqua Page and I'm a resident under the Chicago Housing Authority. I was assigned to a housing facility that has been run by EastLake Management group for over 5 years now. Me and thousands of other people of color are living in slums, despite the millions of federal funds received on our behalf. All across Chicago people of color are living in facilities with urine soaked elevators and hallways. There are bullet holes in the doors and windows. Families are using stoves and refrigerators that are not fully functional. Insect infestations that go untreated. Homes being illegally entered… no notice or warning. No dignity. No respect. 

 If these people are allowed to continue to collect on behalf of the poor, while simultaneously leaving them in disgusting and unsafe environments; we will continue to see an increase in crime, the mentally ill, and acts of violence. These individuals use means of retaliation & threats to silence those who speak up. They carry this “God like” persona as if they personally are offering housing assistance. The same federal funds that offer rent assistance? Are the same funds that pay to employ their services. Despite the notion they are superior to us; the reality is without US they would be unemployed. 

 It is important now more than ever to bring attention to this because people like myself who find the courage to speak up face retaliation, threats of eviction, and our work orders go ignored for months or in my case; over a year. I am currently being threatened with eviction and this comes after filing a lawsuit to bring attention to their negligence. Turning a blind eye to greed and corruption only makes room for its continued existence. There is a war on people who seek justice and equality, and until there is enough awareness; those on the right side will continue to lose. Being poor doesn't equate to being treated like a second class citizen. Being a person of color doesn’t mean you are supposed to live in filth. At what point do we say enough is enough? Our children deserve to grow up in healthy and safe environments. Until we demand more we will ALWAYS receive less. The owners and employees of East Lake management would never live in the facilities they manage. They would never want their loved ones to either. Why? Visit Dearborn homes, The Gardens, or any other project building in Chicago and see for yourself. 

The time is now.