The latest of our daily essays by those who work at the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless.
By Rebecca Stack, Community Organizing Intern
As a student who has had previous internship experience at other sites, I am very happy with the learning environment that CCH provides. All of the staff are very knowledgeable in their field of expertise and are always willing to share their knowledge not only with interns, but with other staff as well.
Multiple departments work together seamlessly to create an effective organization. As an intern for the Community Organizing Department, I have been able to observe and participate in many wonderful events that will and have helped shaped a better future for Illinois residents who are in need of housing assistance or looking for affordable housing. The Organizing Department is well trained and has a sense of focus and determination in its work that is inspiring for a soon-to-be professional in this field.
CCH is a model organization as it takes an issue and is able to attack it from all sides. Organizers help people to have a voice and stand up for what they want, while the Public Policy Department proposes policies to help with affordable housing and housing assistance, all the while fighting against changes in policies that would harm people experiencing homelessness or those seeking affordable housing options.
The Law Project at CCH helps protect children or people experiencing homelessness who face discrimination or other barriers when it comes to education and their rights as a homeless youth. It also tackles important issues such as securing a change in state law so that unaccompanied minors can consent to their own basic medical treatment.
Beyond these departments you have a development team that helps keep the organization operating by securing grants and donations, and informing the public on what CCH has been up to. Seeing so many departments work together for one cause has been an amazing experience that will continue to influence me through out my professional and personal life.
Rebecca Stack is a senior at Northeastern Illinois University.