Blog

August 18, 2017

Chicago Coalition for the Homeless is appalled by the city of Chicago’s decision to issue a 30-day eviction notice today to the residents of the tent encampments under the Wilson and Lawrence viaducts on Lake Shore Drive, in advance of reconstruction. This notice comes without the city providing permanent housing to the people they are evicting from the only home they have and with the premeditated intention to make it impossible for people experiencing homelessness to use the viaducts in the future for protection.

The residents of the encampments do not oppose rebuilding of the city’s infrastructure, nor do they want to live on the streets. They currently live under these viaducts because they have no other permanent housing options. The residents want the same thing anyone else does – the chance to have a stable home.  Continue reading CCH statement: Appalled by the city of Chicago’s 30-day eviction notice at Wilson and Lawrence viaducts

Assessments are underway for a new housing program that will assist homeless families with children enrolled at six Chicago Public Schools (CPS):

• Ellington Elementary
• Earle Elementary
• Howe Elementary
• Nicholson Elementary
• L. Ward Elementary
• Lowell Elementary

The new program is called Housing Support for CPS Families in Transition, or FIT.

Participating families will be those staying at shelters, as well as those who are doubled-up with friends or relatives due to economic hardship.  Continue reading Assessments begin for Chicago’s FIT housing program 

Homeless youth and their providers in Chicago now can access StreetLight Chicago using a computer! The free mobile application of resources for homeless youth is accessible on a new website, http://www.streetlightchicago.org

StreetLight Chicago is a database listing resource and healthcare information for homeless youth. It was co-created by the Youth Futures legal aid clinic at the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless and the Young Invincibles, with support from the VNA Foundation.   Continue reading StreetLight Chicago launches website companion to free mobile app for homeless youth

Homeless Encampment Residents and Their Attorneys Threaten Lawsuit Against City of Chicago in Advance of Viaduct Construction

WHAT:

Press conference convened by homeless encampment residents of the viaducts at Lake Shore Drive at Wilson and Lawrence avenues. Construction to repair the viaducts is set to begin soon, and the current re-design puts bike lanes in the sidewalks, which is less safe for pedestrians, bikes, and cars, and which is discriminatory toward homeless people.

Residents and their attorneys will be discussing a letter they are sending to the city’s Corporation Counsel indicating that they are prepared to move forward with a civil action pursuant to the Illinois Bill of Rights for the Homeless Act and to seek injunctive relief under the Act.  Continue reading Media Advisory for Thursday, August 10: Lawsuit threatened on viaduct construction

By Rene Heybach

Today I conclude twenty years and six months working at the Law Project of the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless. The work was hard, but worth it. The people I worked with have been great, often courageous. There have been so many remarkable people we served, collaborated with, and joined in the streets. I am entirely grateful.  Continue reading Rene Heybach: Celebrating 20 years of accomplishments, reflecting on the reality of today

Space is still available as the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless brings its annual golf outing back to the Wilmette Golf Club for a third year.

Set for Monday, August 21, the event kicks off with a grilled lunch at 12 noon and tee-off at 1:30 p.m. After golfing, participants enjoy cocktails and a dinner reception, with the opportunity to bid on fabulous silent auction prizes.  Continue reading CCH golf outing in Wilmette on August 21

By Niya Kelly, Policy Specialist

After two fiscal years without a budget, the Illinois House and Senate came together in bipartisan fashion to enact a budget and revenue package, with final veto override votes on July 6.

Two years without a budget devastated the Illinois safety net. Homeless and housing service providers laid off staff, discontinued programs, and shuttered their doors. The budget crisis not only impacted social services statewide, it jeopardized higher education’s accreditations, dropped the state’s bond rating to near-junk status, and threatened schools’ ability to reopen this fall.  Continue reading At last! After two years Illinois legislators pass a state budget, overriding the governor’s veto

Bridgeview Bank Group is offering its annual Hearts for the Homeless program again this year, benefitting three Illinois homeless organizations, including the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless.

First launched in May 2015, the campaign raised an impressive $36,150 to support our work on behalf of homeless families, youth, and adults. This will be the third year the bank has run this five-month promotion.  Continue reading Bridgeview Bank offers third Hearts for the Homeless program

Horizons creative writing workshop hosted 35 parents and children from two South Side shelters at its yearly poetry showcase, held June 20 at Chicago’s Intuit gallery, 756 N. Milwaukee Avenue.

Seven parents and three children shared their own poetry during a one-hour showcase.  Continue reading Horizons outreach program showcases parent and child poets

Chicago Coalition for the Homeless and its Law Project has awarded renewable $2,500 college scholarships to four students who succeeded in high school while coping with homelessness. Funded by private donors and grants, CCH has awarded $275,000 to 55 students over the past 13 years.

Scholarship winners Mayra Fajardo, Niani Scott, Prince Washington, and Avery Williams were honored at a public awards event on June 22.  Continue reading Announcing our 2017 college scholarship winners