The Illinois Commission on the Elimination of Poverty held its annual listening session at CCH’s office Tuesday, this year focused on the experiences of homeless youth.
Five commissioners, including State Sen. Robyn Gabel (D-Chicago), heard about the challenges facing homeless and unaccompanied youth, including the impact of the state budget crisis.
Staff and youth clients from CCH Youth Committee members testified, including Destiny Powers, transitional coordinator at The Harbour of suburban Park Ridge, and Anne Holcomb, supportive services supervisor at Unity Parenting and Counseling on Chicago’s South Side.
“It is hard to think about school and getting a job,” a Unity youth client testified, “when you have to make a choice between your last couple of dollars on a bus card or getting something to eat.”
The poverty commission holds public hearings and listening sessions prior to the release of an annual report shared with the General Assembly.
– Policy Specialist Niya Kelly