by Diana Pando
Recently, The Resurrection Project (TRP) celebrated the Casa del Sol acquisition (formerly Hotel Lugo), the only Single Room Occupancy (SRO) operating in Pilsen, granting affordable housing to underserved community members, some in severe risk of homelessness.  Community, residents, Alderman Daniel Solis of the 25th Ward, and TRP staff, attended the event.
Raul Raymundo, TRP’s CEO, kicked off the celebration with a short program. “While SROs are in decline, TRP is working to preserve these valuable community assets instead of allowing them to be turned into high priced development projects,” said Raul Raymundo, TRP’s CEO. “Today, Casa del Sol residents do not have to worry about being forced out due to higher rents. Instead, they will continue to have access to affordable housing.”
As new developments emerge in Pilsen, residents are concerned about the rising cost of housing. This may eventually force local residents out of their homes because they are unable to afford the high rents.
This 54-unit, three-story property is TRP’s first project under the City of Chicago’s Single-Room Occupancy Preservation Ordinance. The City Ordinance supports the preservation efforts of SRO properties through investment and various financing mechanisms that create and preserve affordability for low and moderate-income households.
Jesse Lopez, a resident of Casa del Sol also spoke. “I was struggling to find a place I could afford but there were limited options,” said Jesse. Shortly, after he moved in he became disabled and had difficulty walking. “I’m thankful The Resurrection Project purchased the property because if it had been sold to a developer everyone in the building would be on the street, homeless and struggling to survive,” said Jesse.
As a result of the TRP acquisition, Casa del Sol residents will have access to a full range of social services including financial capability workshops. These workshops will help residents develop budgets and learn more about other housing options. TRP will also be a liaison between the residents and other community organizations to provide them with much needed resources.
Casa del Sol residents come from all walks of life and include veterans, people with disabilities and mental illnesses, homeless, and even low-income students. The SRO is a valuable resource to people who have fallen on hard times.
Casa del Sol will also be working with the San Jose Obrero Mission who is transitioning services from their Little Village location to Pilsen. The San Jose Obrero Mission is working with the City of Chicago and The Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) to continue to provide housing within the SRO to homeless women who are being moved from the Little Village site.
Preservation of SROs is critical because there are few SRO buildings available city-wide. TRP continues its commitment to affordable housing and helping individuals who have fallen on hard times by providing them with opportunities to improve the quality of their lives.
The event concluded with Father Jose Santiago from St. Pius doing a blessing of the tenants, building, and TRP staff. Afterwards, people gathered for some light refreshments and dessert and chatted excitedly about the bright future of Casa del Sol.
Financing for the Casa del Sol acquisition was provided by Community Investment Corporation (CIC).
For more information about Casa del Sol please contact call the Property Management Intake Specialist at 312-880-1154

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