Today we are spotlighting one of our community partners, Autonomous Tenants Union (ATU), for #FairHousingMonth. ATU is a tenant-led volunteer collective based in Albany Park. ATU is dedicated to advancing the interests of working-class tenants by building a mass movement. They do this by building tenants’ unions to fight against evictions and for dignified living conditions while educating themselves on how to organize and win. Ultimately, ATU seeks to create a community based on solidarity and cooperation.

ATU representative, Antonio Gutierrez, shares what fair housing means to the organization:

“Fair housing is a fundamental human right that ensures all individuals – regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, disability, immigration status, or socioeconomic background – have access to safe, affordable, and habitable housing. ATU supports efforts to reduce housing inequality and challenges the systems that perpetuate housing instability and discrimination. Fair housing includes fighting against unjust evictions, rent hikes, and discriminatory practices, all while working to build power for tenant unions. In summary, fair housing is part of a broader struggle for social justice, aiming to address the housing crisis and create equitable living conditions for all people, particularly marginalized communities.”

We also asked Antonio about how organizing can be effective for tenants, they said:

“Organizing is a powerful tool for tenants to fight for their rights and improve living conditions. Organizing is effective for tenants in Chicago by building collective power, creating tenant unions, and through education and empowerment.”

ATU shared how you can support them right now:

The Chicago Housing Justice Coalition CHJC is planning to submit the Just Cause for Evictions Ordinance with the City Council for vote. Call your alderpersons and tell them to vote YES to Just Cause for Evictions, when it is proposed in the coming weeks.

Housing remains a fundamental right, and Beyond will continue fighting for tenants and community members across Chicagoland and beyond.