Chicago, Illinois -- Friday, September 13, 2019
Doug Pickens, who has been wheelchair-bound since 2006, poses for a portrait in the apartment where he has lived for the last 29 years. Despite repeated requests, his apartment is not accessible, and he continues to have issues getting in and out of his bedroom and bathroom.
Despite complaints about black mold, mildew, cockroach infestations and the remnants of a recent fire, Pickens's neighbor Tanisha Jones said very little has been done to improve conditions at the apartment building where she has raised her seven children. The five younger children, ages 8 to 14, tested positive for elevated lead levels and are unable to live with her due to the conditions.
CREDIT: Alyssa Schukar for ProPublica Illinois