Blog

Gesenia Viviescas holds many identities. She is a master’s student. A Fulbright scholar. A woman of color. She is a chef and entrepreneur, co-owning a cooking business with her mother. She is a sister and daughter. An aspiring social worker. A writer. Gesenia has also experienced homelessness. 

Growing up, Gesenia remembers having an “obscured” feeling of home, moving from Chicago, to Florida, to her parents’ native Colombia. As teens, Gesenia and her sister moved back to Chicago for high school, seeking better educational opportunities. They initially stayed with a family member, later bouncing around multiple friends’ and relatives’ houses. Gesenia sold chocolate bars to provide for herself and her sister. 

Chicago Coalition for the Homeless is disappointed that many Illinois voters chose to not support the Fair Tax, a reform that would have made our tax system fairer and helped address the state’s structural deficit.

We are grateful to all of CCH’s supporters, partners, and allies that worked tirelessly to fight for this reform, logging hundreds of hours of work. 

While the movement for progressive income for Illinois did not win this year, CCH, along with our partners in this fight, will continue to push for a system that ensures millionaires and billionaires pay their fair share. 

Chicago Coalition for the Homeless received nearly $1,500 in donations in response to a fire that occurred at a homeless encampment near Belmont and Kedzie avenues earlier this month.

The October 5 fire destroyed several residents’ personal belongings, including tents, blankets, mattresses, clothing, and other necessities for living on the street. Three people also suffered minor injuries.

Common Misconceptions Debunked 

The first question on Illinois ballots this election asks voters whether they support an amendment to the Illinois constitution to change our unfair flat income tax to a fair graduated tax. We encourage you to vote YES.  

Right now, Illinois is one of only nine states in the country that has a flat income tax, at a rate of 4.95%. This means everyone – from teachers, nurses, and delivery workers, to real estate moguls and corporate CEOs  – pays the same rate. 

Passing a Fair Tax would relieve the burden on the lowest income Illinoisans. Under this plan, anyone who earns less than $250,000 would pay the same or less in income taxes, and those who make more than $250,000 would pay a slightly higher rate, but only on their income over $250,000.  

By Sophie Babcock, Associate Board Co-Vice President, Events

Do you have a talent or fun skill you’re proud of? Or know someone in your network who does? We are now recruiting participants for the CCH Associate Board’s upcoming virtual Variety Show on Thursday, December 10 starting at 6:30 p.m.

Whether you are a singer, dancer, musician, comic, or just someone who loves to take on a fundraising challenge, we invite you to participate! The show will feature talents ranging from pie-eating to juggling, so please don’t be shy and feel free to think outside of the box.

By Alyssa Phillips, Education Attorney

On October 9, members of CCH’s CPS Focus Group, a committee of grassroots leaders with children or grandchildren attending Chicago Public Schools, participated in a panel discussion at the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY) virtual conference.

The discussion centered on effective communication strategies between school personnel and parents experiencing homelessness during COVID-19. The parents shared their struggles with distance learning and gave their suggestions for school staff.