Our History

Since 1980, WECAN has operated as a resource center for the Woodlawn community. The center connects residents with housing assistance programs, serves as a liaison to elected officials and other policymakers on housing and related issues, and acts as a property owner and developer of affordable housing. WECAN has refurbished four buildings, creating 145 units for those who are experiencing or nearly experiencing homelessness. It also provides other support services, such as serving a location for the Community Economic Development Association’s (CEDA) home energy and weatherization grant program and sponsors community-building initiatives, including afterschool programming. WECAN was also instrumental in drafting the City of Chicago’s Tenants Bill of Rights.