MLK “Injustice anywhere…”

Homelessness, crime, mental health, schools…all local problems many of our neighbors feel aren’t being adequately addressed today. As part of Northside AARP’s January 3, 2023 Candidates Forum, we held a “Q and A” session after their presentations. We were not able to capture all these sessions on video—we are volunteers and apologize to those we missed. We did however capture candidates running in the 48th Ward session. In this short thirteen minute video you will hear the questions presented by the audience as well at the candidates’ responses. You’ll hear solutions like: the Finland’s Solution to Homelessness; Tiny Homes and The Hud VASH Voucher. These are all great ideas, no doubt, but one of the most interesting and doable ideas in this author’s mind is simply talk to the homeless people you meet, get to know them–a solution that would work in addressing almost any issue: let’s talk.

We invite you to view the above video as well as the links to some suggested solutions and join in the discussion by leaving a comment on this or any of the linked videos. Thanks!

Dan O’Donnell retired from Chicago Public Schools where he taught at the now closed Montefiore Special School from 1970 – 1980 and then again from 1997 -2007. From 1980 to 1997 he sold life insurance as an Agent for the Mass Mutual and broker for many other companies. Presently Dan spends his days writing and developing online learning opportunities. During his sixteen-year hiatus from teaching he remained in contact with Montefiore serving on the PTA and Local School Council as the community representative. 

To the total chagrin of his sister Marianne, a stay-at-home mother of four, Dan’s proudest recognition came when Montefiore Principal Bernie Carlin nominated him as the Parent of the Year. Dan, as Marianne would tell you, never spent one night up with a colicky child… 

Dan’s work experience taught him to respect and learn from people whose life’s paths differed from his own. Dan believes, that despite often feeling like an outsider, he belongs right where he finds himself, and that all that is gift.