United Power for Action and Justice, Lake County United, DuPage United, and the Fox River Valley Initiative fought hard for inclusion of substantial money for affordable housing and for specific allocation of funds for what we call “Reclaiming Communities” in two Chicago neighborhoods: Southwest Chicago and Lawndale. In a three month period, leaders held nineteen relational actions with key state legislative leaders and the Governor’s staff resulting in a win on all three fronts: $12 million for Reclaiming Southwest Chicago to move from 35 to 135 renovated homes, $3 million to initiate the Reclaiming Lawndale Initiative —starting with 2 key vacant corner buildings that will provide 50 affordable homes and an initiative to restore traditional greystone homes throughout the community and $200 million for the creation of affordable housing throughout the state.  These dollars can be used to end homelessness, to provide housing for families, seniors, or individuals with physical or mental disabilities, or to reclaim more communities.