The Restorative Housing Fund adopted in 2021 by Evanston to address and rectify the city’s racially discriminatory housing practices has sent its first reparations payments to residents. Could it be a model for other cities? So far the first round of funds, which total $400,000, have been dispersed to 16 Evanston residents who each received $25,000. Although participants haven’t received direct monetary compensation, the funds are dedicated to home improvements, mortgage assistance, or a downpayment that is managed by the city. In this webinar, Robin Rue Simmons discusses her work as an alderman in Evanston and how during her tenure she championed legislation that allowed for The Restorative Housing Fund, as well as the challenges and successes that came with getting the project off the ground. Simmons now runs the nonprofit First Repair and promotes local reparations policies around the country. She says funds in Evanston are meant to “repair the wealth t