Why some Chicagoans struggle to find financial freedom

CHICAGO (WGN) — Achieving economic mobility has become difficult for many Chicagoans.

That’s among the key findings in a recent and wide-ranging series of stories from the Illinois Answers Project.

The Chicago-based nonprofit examined why many residents are struggling to find financial footing and the successes and failures of some government efforts to help them.

WGN interviewed one man who shared his story, detailing how crime in his West Side neighborhood almost derailed his dream of home ownership.

Bryan Ramson purchased a four-flat in Garfield Park in 2019. He renovated the property and rented the units.

But he ran into issues with drug dealers near his home.

“What we found is that there was basically lawlessness in front of our house,” Ramson told the Illinois Answers Project.

He acknowledged that others may have backed down or bailed.

But he chose to take action, in what could be a model for other homeowners facing similar challenges.

Ramson worked to organize a block club, beautify the neighborhood and even got elected to the 11^th Police District Council.

Over time he says those things have made a difference.  

Besides violence, the Illinois Answers Project examined how other factors such as medical debt and the high cost of child-care impact economic mobility. To read more, visit https://illinoisanswers.org/