Current Series – Reimagining Housing Support and Access: Bridging Research, Action, and Community-Centered Process
The Real Time Chicago Lecture Series returns for Spring 2025, continuing its focus on Reimagining Housing Support and Access: Bridging Research, Action, and Community-Centered Process. This series explores innovative approaches to housing equity, preservation, and sustainability, bringing together experts, advocates, and community organizations to discuss solutions that empower residents and strengthen neighborhoods. Through engaging discussions, we highlight key initiatives working to ensure accessible, affordable, and resilient housing for all.
First Session – Spanish Coalition for Housing: Providing Housing Services to the Community for 50+ Years
The Spring 2025 Real Time Chicago Lecture Series kicked off with an insightful session featuring the Spanish Coalition for Housing, a community-driven organization that has provided critical housing services for over 50 years. Emilio Carrasquillo, Program Manager, shared how the Coalition fosters equitable housing access through innovative programs and advocacy efforts. From financial counseling to foreclosure prevention and homebuyer assistance, this session highlighted the Coalition’s ongoing impact in Chicago’s housing landscape.
Second Session – Chicago Bungalow Association: Helping to Maintain, Preserve, and Adapt Your Older Home
The second session of the Real Time Chicago Lecture Series featured the Chicago Bungalow Association, a leading organization dedicated to preserving and adapting Chicago’s historic housing stock. Lia Rulli, Program Manager, and Carla Bruni, Preservation and Resiliency Specialist, provided expert insights into home repair resources, energy efficiency programs, and strategies for maintaining older homes. This session explored how historic housing preservation can play a crucial role in sustaining affordability and livability while adapting homes for modern needs.
Third Session on April 9th, 2025 – Digs with Dignity: Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness One Family at a Time
The Real Time Chicago Lecture Series continues its focus on Reimagining Housing Support and Access: Bridging Research, Action, and Community-Centered Process with an inspiring third session featuring Kim Hannay, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Digs with Dignity. In this session, “Digs with Dignity: Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness One Family at a Time,” Kim will share how her organization is transforming lives by helping families transition out of homelessness with dignity and stability. Through custom home furnishing using sustainable design solutions, Digs with Dignity creates welcoming, functional spaces that empower families to build a fresh start. To RSVP for this upcoming session, please click here. To download the flyer, please click here.
Archived (Past) Real Time Chicago Lecture Series
As we continue the Real Time Chicago Lecture Series for Spring 2025, we also invite you to explore our archived lectures from past years, covering a wide range of critical urban issues. From environmental justice and infrastructure planning to economic development, housing, and social equity, these past discussions have brought together experts, policymakers, and community leaders to share their insights. By clicking on the hyperlinks below, you can access full recordings of each event and revisit these thought-provoking conversations. Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding of Chicago’s evolving urban landscape or seeking inspiration from past discussions, these archived lectures offer a rich resource for researchers, students, and community members alike.