HUD: Orphans should be allowed to stay in their home

Erica Bledsoe smiles this morning in Federal Plaza after receiving word that her family will not be evicted from their home.

This morning’s rally ended with clapping and cheers.

After months of silence, officials at the Illinois branch of HUD have stated that Erica Bledsoe and her nieces and nephew should not be evicted from their home in Rogers Park and will be allowed to remain living there.

The case has been going on for over a year, ever since Erica’s mother, Rosetta Bledsoe died last September. She was the guardian to her three grandchildren, and her sudden death shocked the family and put their home in jeopardy. Even though the children were on the lease and have the legal right to stay in the apartment as remaining family members, the company that owns their Section 8 apartment, Northpoint, was trying to throw the family out.

And now the case is nearly over.

Ty'Juan, Ja'Kalah and De'Ajah - Erica's nephew and nieces

This morning, Erica’s lawyers confirmed that Ed Hinsberger, the director of multi-family housing at HUD Illinois, wrote a letter to the state organization that handles Section 8 contracts – the Illinois Housing Development Authority or IHDA – telling IDHA to allow the kids
to stay in the apartment.

Basically, a lot of bureaucracy to say that, although a formal settlement has not been reached, officials say that it will be.

Hinsberger had this to say about the matter:

“There was a letter issued to IHDA from me last Friday providing guidance on how to proceed,  which will allow Ms. Bledsoe and her nieces and nephew to remain at the complex. IHDA provided guidance to the owners or their attorney’s last Friday and will be in contact with them again today to assure that there is understanding on how to move forward.”

Cindy Duffy, spokesperson for AIMCO, the company that owns Northpoint, says the company had been waiting for word from HUD in order to grant Erica and the kids a lease.

“We were very happy that we were able to get this resolved and that we can enable the family to live at Northpoint,” says Duffy.

What does Erica think?

She’s thrilled, but she’s cautious also. She hasn’t told the kids yet and says she won’t tell them until it’s certain.

Erica’s lawyers – Matthew Monahan and Nicki Bazer – say they’re cautiously optimistic about the settlement, but very pleased.

Overall, although nothing’s certain, there was a sense today that the public pressure is what made this case move forward. It’s a testament to what people can do when they band together to help each other. Here’s Frank Edwards, who led the organizing effort, talking about the victory: