Description of a Core Team

Impact the lives of individuals dealing with homelessness.
Collaborate with fellow community members and people who are homeless or formerly homeless through Chicago Coalition for the Homeless (CCH).

·        CCH has been organizing and advocating to prevent and end homelessness since 1980.

·        By volunteering with CCH you can join the fight to end homelessness by meeting with local legislators about initiatives, utilizing methods of community organizing, spending a day lobbying in Springfield.

 Learn about the causes of homelessness and what needs to change directly from people who have been homeless.

·        CCH believes the importance of advocating with people who are homeless. 

·        You would advocate side by side with people who have lived through homelessness and are now working to change policies.

·        In working together, you will be able to build a relationship of mutual respect.

 Broaden your understanding of community organizing by actively creating real change.

·        You will have the opportunity to learn the skills of community organizing throughout the year as well as a chance to attend a day-long training in community organizing.

 Contribute to the awareness of others in your community and give them the tools to fight for an end to homelessness.

·        Coordinate a Speakers Bureau event, where a homeless or formerly homeless advocate would tell their story, talk about an initiative, and tell the audience how they can support the needed change. 

·        Talk to fellow members of your school or congregation about homelessness and asking them to sign a postcard showing the support for an initiative.

2006 - 2007 Initiatives

o       Educational Rights of Homeless Children

o       Protecting the Rental Housing Support Program

o       Transitional Jobs for Homeless Youth

o       First Offender Probation (Prostitution)

o       Housing is Crucial for Recovery

o       Living Wage Jobs


 Logistics

o       An ideal core group at a university will be made up of 5 volunteers. 

  o       An organizer with CCH would be in regular contact with the core group to advise and coordinate. 

o       The volunteers should be willing to dedicate an average of two to three hours a week. 

 

  Please Contact Hannah Willage at 312-435-4548 ext 239 or Hannah@chicagohomeless.org.