Building Sold - Being Evicted

My name is Bob Laine and I sell Streetwise. I lost my last job due to company cutbacks (600 jobs specifically) and now live in a SRO.

I live in a neighbourhood on the far north side at the lake called Uptown. In Uptown, there are many government agencies that provide a litany of services for those less fortunate. Historically, the rents have always been very reasonable and there have been several SROs (Single Resident Occupancy) in the area. This has attracted a great deal of people of less than modest means.

 

In recent years, there has been a big push by the city to gentrify the neighbourhood. This has resulted in many real estate developers to come in and buy property very cheap on the speculation of future increases. SRO have been the first ones targeted and closed. This has resulted in fewer and fewer affordable housing options.

 

Chicago has an incredible public transportation system which includes several train lines. One of the oldest is known as the Red Line. In Uptown, the Red Line has a stop known as the Wilson stop. For decades this stop has been completely outdated and in disrepair. The mayor, along with the city council, approved a complete restoration of the Wilson stop which would include renovating the building in order to house boutique (expensive) stores along with several amenities that could only be found at our downtown train stops. This announcement made the push to buy up buildings for remodelling and renovation even bigger for real estate developers.

 

Sure enough, my building, which is in complete disrepair and should have been condemned 20 years ago, was sold for approximately $2 million dollars. That was ridiculously cheap even for Uptown.

My Situation

 I, along with everyone else in my building, were served eviction notices on January 29th. We have to vacate by March 31st. This has started the clock for me.

 My goal is $20,000. I came to this number through careful math and a little bit of rounding.

 Here's my calculations: At a maximum of $700/mth, one year's rent would be $8400. Because of horribly bad credit, I would need to be able to put up at least a $1000 deposit. All landlords want proof of income, even independent income, before renting. The remaining $10,000 would be that, but would also cover electric and gas, something I don't pay for now, but will have to.

 Electric would cost a $500 deposit to turn on plus the activation fee. Gas won't be as bad but still need a deposit and activation fee. This is due to my bad credit.

Projected cost over 12 months is $2400.

I would also like a bed (Twin). I'm not sure on the cost of that.

These are all things that are currently included where I live now, but will not be included at a different location.

I am also looking into government agencies for help.

If I raise more than my goal, I will be using the extra to help some of the other guys in the building with moving.

Remember, I only have until March 31st, which means I need to end the campaign on March 25th.

You can find out more about me at my LinkedIn site.

I will be posting updates as they happen.

Thank you