Blog

Leeanna Majors shared with Charles Jenkins about her transformation into a leader with Chicago Coalition for the Homeless.  Thank you to StorpCorps for the photo and recording.

If you would like to invite Leeanna Majors, Charles Jenkins or any of other members of the CCH Speakers Bureau to present at your organization, school, or civic group, please contact hannah@chicagohomeless.org or fill out the on-line request form.

 

 

 

 

CCH participated in a rally for a fully, funded budget on Thursday, June 30 at the Thompson Center in Chicago. Simultaneously, the Illinois Legislature passed and Governor Rauner signed a stopgap funding plan. SB2047 authorizes spending for human services including programs serving homeless youth, families, and individuals for FY2016 and the first six months of FY2017.  Continue reading Governor Rauner signs a stopgap funding plan

Bridgeview Bank Group is offering its second Hearts for the Homeless program, benefitting the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless.

First launched in May 2015, last year’s six-month campaign raised an impressive $21,150 to support our work on behalf of homeless families, youth and adults.

Through Hearts for the Homeless, Bridgeview Bank will donate $50 to CCH when you do one of the following:

• Open a new personal checking account with direct deposit
• Open a new personal savings or money market account with $10,000 or more
• Deposit $10,000 or more into an existing personal savings or money market account

To thank its clients, Bridgeview Bank also deposits $100 to each qualifying account that participates in the program.  Continue reading Bridgeview Bank offers second Hearts for the Homeless program

Horizons creative writing workshop hosted 26 parents and children from two South Side shelters at its yearly poetry showcase, held June 28 at Chicago’s Intuit gallery, 756 N. Milwaukee Avenue.

Six parents and three children shared their own poetry during a showcase emceed by parent Dewanna Brewer.  Continue reading Horizons hosts poetry showcase at Intuit gallery

By a vote of 43-7, Chicago’s City Council passed an ordinance June 22 that regulates Airbnb and other home-sharing services. The ordinance regulates short-term home rentals by requiring registration, licensing, and data sharing.

The new ordinance includes a 4% surcharge dedicated to funding supportive services and housing for homeless families as well as people who have been chronically homeless. The surcharge is expected to generate about $2 million a year.  Continue reading Chicago passes Airbnb ordinance, first-time funding stream for homeless services

The Illinois legislative session came to an end May 31 without state officials passing a budget for a record-setting second year in a row.

No state in recent memory has ever gone this long without a budget, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Legislators and Gov. Bruce Rauner left Springfield this week promising to meet to come up with agreed budget plans by June 30.

Please sign an Action Alert telling the governor to sign Senate Bill 2038, a $700 million stop-gap emergency funding bill for human services.  Continue reading State budget impasse: CCH keeps pressing, urges support for SB2038 emergency funding bill

Chicago Coalition for the Homeless is a partner in the Responsible Budget Coalition. 

Springfield – The regular session of the General Assembly ended last night at midnight and there was no agreement reached on a fiscal year 2016 or fiscal year 2017 budget. There is some indication that negotiations will continue during June in order to try to get something done before the end of the fiscal year on June 30. However, with the November general election and the partisan warfare intensifying, there is a real threat that no budget agreement will be reached until after the November general election, if ever.  Continue reading Responsible Budget Coalition: On the failure of state leaders to reach another budget agreement

On Saturday, the high school students of Niles West and Niles North danced with determination at their 14^th Annual Dance Marathon. Held in Niles North’s gymnasium, the marathon is eight hours long and the culmination of a collective fundraising effort that runs throughout the entire school year.

Chicago Coalition for the Homeless is proud to be the marathon’s primary beneficiary this school year. Over 350 students from the north suburban schools enlisted the aid of their peers, faculty, and the community to raise an impressive $95,482.51! CCH receives 90% of the funds raised and the rest goes to help fellow Niles students in need.  Continue reading Kudos to Niles West and Niles North high schools for a year of generous support