Duluth Tenants Fight for Renters Rights

Safe & Decent Rental Housing:

CHUM is working to correct the problem of unsafe and substandard rental housing.  CHUM organizers identify problem units/buildings and work with housing inspectors, the City Attorney’s Office and the Police Department to insure that problems are addressed without resulting in tenant’s becoming homeless.  CHUM also is working with our elected officials to enact ordinances that secure the rights of tenants to safe, decent housing.

Affordable Housing Development:

CHUM organizers spearheaded the recently concluded Duluth Housing 1,000 campaign. This effort, involving over 25 housing and housing-related organizations, added 1,000 new units to Duluth’s housing stock.The goal of securing permanent housing is now within reach of more Duluth low-income households. CHUM is now focusing on the development of housing with supportive services to serve those for whom other housin options are not appropriate. A critical need is for family housing with stabilization support.

YIMBY (Yes In My Back Yard) Network:

The 10,000+ members of CHUM congregations reside in every Duluth neighborhood and have been effective in advocating for the development of affordable housing. After years of vocal opposition that blocked construction of affordable housing these voices from Duluth’s faith community provided our elected officials with the support they need to approve and invest in these projects.

For more information or to get involved contact CHUM’s Community Organizer, Allen Richardson.

Media Coverage of CHUM's Safe and Affordable Housing Organizing Efforts:

Know Your Rights When Renting Off CampusUMD Statesman 1/20/10