Dr. Martin Luther King uttered these words on the eve of his untimely death. Of course, he spoke in particular to the black community. But I believe he had a larger meaning in mind as well: During his life he evolved his understanding and advocacy to encompass the eradication of poverty.  His passion -- so inspirational still, 41 years later -- was to lift our nation's people out of the racism and poverty that crippled millions of Americans.

Thank you for your interest in our 18th Annual Hopefest featuring Patti Smith - unfortunately there are no more tickets available.  

Chicago Coalition for the Homeless has been recognized as a top-rated nonprofit by GreatNonprofits.org, as a part of their “Food and Shelter 2009” awards. Ratings were submitted by members of the public who have volunteered, donated, or been served by the nonprofits which provide both direct and indirect services to their communities. The winners of the award receive third party media exposure on GuideStar and other online services.

CCH received a total of seventeen reviews so far, and now has an average rating of five stars within a five star rating system.

CCH is proud to report that Laurene Heybach, founding director of the CCH Law Project, is being honored this month by IllinoisLegalAdvocate.org 

Rene was named Illinois Legal Advocate of the Month. A video interview featuring Rene and Associate Law Director Patricia Nix-Hodes has been posted by IllinoisLegalAdvocate.org on its website and at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQW1ydCpkqA

Rock icon Patti Smith will headline the 18th Annual Hopefest concert to benefit the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless.

 
The concert will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2010 at the Park West, 322 W. Armitage.

Tickets will go on sale Saturday, January 16 and can be purchased through this website, starting that day at noon.

There will be a limited quantity of 100 VIP tickets available that will include reserved seating.

Many thanks to Zumiez, the sports outerwear retailer, for another generous shipment of new winter coats, sweatshirts, gloves, hats, and blankets. For the 4th year in a row, Zumiez donated 45-plus boxes of winter gear for CCH to distribute to people in need. 

There’s been more worth-reading media coverage, including video clips, filed since Tuesday’s demonstration outside Ald. Robert Fioretti's 2nd Ward office.

“Happiness Is…”: A Warm Movie on a Cold Night.

It felt like 10 degrees outside, but over 50 people bundled in heavy coats still managed to attend the screening of Andrew Shapter’s film “Happiness Is…” at the Lakeshore Theatre last Thursday night, Dec. 10.

Director Andrew Shapter has premiered the film in big cities and small towns nationwide, donating the ticket sales to a local non-profit every time.   Why? Because while making the film about the elusive topic of happiness, Shapter realized the only concrete definition was helping other people.