A Chicago community group and its partners have saved 44 units of affordable housing for families in gentrifying neighborhoods through the so-called "Renters Organizing Ourselves to Stay" initiative. 

Communities United partnered with the Chicago Metropolitan Housing Development Corporation, Enterprise Community Partners and the Cook County Land Bank on the effort.

ROOTS seeks to preserve foreclosed properties in gentrifying areas as long-term affordable rental housing. The 44 rental units saved thus far through the program will provide affordable housing to some 200 residents.

"Preserving affordable housing connected to quality education, jobs and transit is critical to a family's success," said Andy Geer with Enterprise Community Partners. "The ROOTS initiative demonstrates that we can keep families in their homes and communities."

ROOTS also saw support from Fannie Mae and various elected officials, including U.S. Reps. Mike Quigley (D-IL,5) and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL,9) along with Chicago Alds. Deb Mell (33rd) and Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35th).