Welch, Pappas Hosting Black Houses Matter Live Stream Event to Help Families Keep Their Homes

WESTCHESTER, Ill. – State Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch and Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas are teaming up to host a virtual informational seminar on the “Black Houses Matter” initiative on Monday, April 5 at 1 p.m. The event will be live streamed at www.Facebook.com/RepChrisWelch.

“Three out of every four homes on the Cook County tax sale list are in Black communities,” said Welch. “Some these homeowners may be owed money by the county that could help them pay off those tax debts, come off of the tax sale list and save their homes. Our virtual event will provide homeowners with the information they need to find out what their options are if they’re facing a tax sale and at risk of losing their homes.”

The Black Houses Matter initiatives seeks to inform homeowners of unclaimed refunds or tax exemptions that did not apply for but could qualify for, such as homeowner, veteran or senior citizen exemptions. As of January 2021, nearly 36,000 were on the tax sale list with half owing less than $1,000 in back taxes.

“As we think about ways to correct generations of injustice and create a more just and fair society, we have to help Black communities thrive and build generational wealth,” Welch added. “Helping connect homeowners to the tax refunds and exemptions that they are entitled to is a creative but commonsense way to give people who are struggling a shot at paying off their debts and getting back on their feet.”