| This study brings to light the specific experiences of seven adolescents who formerly resided in the Robert Taylor Homes and relocated during the years of its demolition which was initiated by the HOPE VI legislation and the Chicago Housing Authority's Plan for Transformation. I will specifically look at the personal, educational and social effects of relocating to various communities within Central Illinois on these particular youth. Through the use of focus groups, participant and naturalistic observation, in-depth interviews and the use of photos I hope to capture the relocation experiences of each participant. The uniqueness of each adolescent is inextricably tied to the years of neglect and abuse by the Chicago Housing Authority, City Council, numerous federal, state and local government officials, the Real Estate Board as well as other entities within city's infrastructure. Whether it was de facto segregation or complacency regarding the lives that were being shattered within the 28 hi-rises, due to infestation of drugs, excessive amount of violence and the dominating influence of gangs, exploitation prevailed at any rate. This negligence contributed to generations of families being caught in a cycle of poverty that cannot be remedied by simply changing the location of their residence. Hosts of former residents have attempted to relocate outside the Chicago metropolitan area and have faced considerable challenges as they seek to transition into new communities and schools, which are oftentimes much different than those that they are more accustomed to. As the final building of the largest public housing development in the world is slated for demolition and families are forced to relocate, our nation will be deeply concerned about the ways in which the former residents were impacted. |
