Hundreds of affordable housing advocates flooded the capitol halls in Springfield, Illinois on April 15, 2026 to bridge our communities’ needs with housing policy decisions. Among them was Mercy Housing Lakefront’s Edgar Flagg III, Vice President of Real Estate Development, who represented Mercy Housing Lakefront in partnership with Illinois Housing Council.

Edgar visited the offices of various elected officials to advocate for affordable housing as a critical solution to improving the health and wellbeing of residents in their districts. He also explained the importance of the Illinois Affordable Housing Tax Credit (IAHTC) program, which is expiring and needs to be renewed. Mercy Housing Lakefront used the IAHTC program to rehab and preserve Carlton Apartments and Major Jenkins Apartments and is planning to utilize the program in the future.

“There are real people behind the policies that are in place, and we must use our voices for those who need affordable housing and services,” reflected Edgar about his experience. “We can all do something to strengthen the communities where we live.”

 

You can be an advocate, too! Call your elected officials today and share with them why funding for affordable housing policy is important in your community.