Pat speaks up to help others

Black grandmother and her three grandkids -- ages 11, 12, and 16 -- pose smiling with their arms around each other. They are sitting on a bench and wearing winter jackets. Banner text reads: Pat speaks up to help others

Born to a large family with nine siblings, Patricia “Pat” Franklin understands the importance of working together so that everyone has what they need to thrive. A grandmother of three and self-described jokester, Pat aspires to make the world better for families like hers.

“Growing up, I never knew we were poor,” recalls Pat. “Sleeping three to a bed – I just thought that’s the way it was. My mother was always helping and taking people in. She taught me that there’s always someone else out there who is worse off than you.”

Today, Pat channels her mother’s generous spirit by serving as grassroots leader with CCH, leading advocacy efforts to support people experiencing homelessness.

“CCH is like my second family,” Pat said. “I just love being here and advocating. By sharing my story, I hope it helps the next family and prevents them from going through what I did.”

Continue reading Pat speaks up to help others

Senior Field Organizer

Job Description:

This position is responsible for base building and relationship building among people with lived experience of homelessness and organizations who serve people experiencing homelessness. This position primarily focuses on community outreach to sheltered populations. This position supports organizational campaigns and focuses on strong leadership development, as well as mobilization and will also work to advance racial equity.

About CCH:

Chicago Coalition for the Homeless is a 43-year-old systemic advocacy organization. CCH develops campaigns and initiatives to address the causes of homelessness–lack of affordable housing, lack of access to health care and services, and lack of jobs paying a living wage. We place much emphasis on organizing and developing leaders who have experienced homelessness to become spokespersons and leaders of our various initiatives. CCH does its work in accordance with its organizational values – collaboration, integrity, strategic action, compassion, and intersectionality. We recognize that homelessness is a problem that stems from systemic racism and that biases and prejudices are embedded in the fabric of society, and thus, also permeate organizations like ours. CCH is committed to advancing racial equity in the workplace, through the work of our racial equity committee, and through the campaigns and initiatives we choose.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Identify and develop leadership among people with lived experience of homelessness.
  • Guide and develop leaders to gain the skills and knowledge to lead and win campaigns.
  • Develop and maintain a core group of grassroots leaders who are sheltered.
  • Plan, conduct, and execute direct actions.
  • Work as a team member and do work in support of general CCH activities, as requested.
  • Assist with training base members in organizing principles and tactics.
  • Attending all staff and program meetings, as required.
  • Support the growth and training of entry-level organizers.
  • Works in collaboration with all CCH departments—CCH believes strongly in interdepartmental collaboration and expects all staff to work in close partnership with the other departments at the organization.

Qualifications/Skills (This is a mid-level position):

  • Build and maintain a regular schedule of outreach to shelters.
  • Identify and develop leadership among people with lived experience of homelessness.
  • Guide and develop leaders to gain the skills and knowledge to lead and win campaigns.
  • Develop and maintain a core group of grassroots leaders who are sheltered.
  • Plan, conduct, and execute direct actions.
  • Work as a team member and do work in support of general CCH activities, as requested.
  • Assist with training base members in organizing principles and tactics.
  • Attending all staff and program meetings, as required.
  • Support the growth and training of entry-level organizers.
  • Works in collaboration with all CCH departments—CCH believes strongly in interdepartmental collaboration and expects all staff to work in close partnership with the other departments at the organization.
  • Experience working political campaigns and/or in a 501(c)4 structure preferred.

Salary range: $66,528-$69,528

Salary above the base salary is available if the candidate meets one or more of the following criteria – demonstrated second language proficiency ($1,000), lived experience of homelessness ($1,000), and certification in racial equity work ($1,000).

Excellent benefits, including health, four weeks of paid vacation, and a sabbatical program.

All employees should be up to date on vaccination series as indicated by the CDC. The currently approved vaccines under this policy are Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. No vaccine shall be designated unless and until it is fully approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or approved by the FDA for emergency use authorization. Fully vaccinated means at least two weeks after the final shot in the required timing and dosage (one shot for Johnson & Johnson, two shots for Moderna with 28 days between shots, and two shots for Pfizer with 21 days between shots).

Please send a resume and cover letter to: organizerpositions@chicagohomeless.org with the subject line
“Senior Organizer Position.”


Prospective employees will be expected to comply with this policy within two months of accepting their offer of employment.

The Chicago Coalition for the Homeless believes that personnel diversity is an organizational strength and recognizes and values the intersectional identities that staff members bring to our organization. We are enriched by the diverse experiences, beliefs, and ways of thinking that employees of different backgrounds bring.

People of color and people who have experienced homelessness or poverty are strongly encouraged to apply. Fair consideration is given to all qualified applicants regardless of criminal record. CCH is committed to providing equal employment consideration without discrimination on the basis of race, sex, disability, religion, national origin, ancestry, military status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or any other legally protected status.

More job opportunities beyond “Senior Field Organizer” can be found on our “Jobs & Internships” website page.

Associate Director of Organizing, Strategic Campaigns

About CCH:

Chicago Coalition for the Homeless is a 43-year-old systemic advocacy organization. CCH develops campaigns and initiatives to address the causes of homelessness–lack of affordable housing, lack of access to health care and services and lack of jobs paying a living wage. We place much emphasis on organizing and developing leaders within the homeless population to become spokespersons and leaders of our various initiatives. CCH does its work in accordance with its organizational values: collaboration, integrity, strategic action, compassion, and intersectionality.

Job Purpose:

The Associate Director of Organizing, Strategic Campaigns is responsible for CCH’s city-level strategic organizing campaigns. This position will support and co-develop Chicago organizing staff and help craft overall strategy, as well as lead a planning process with our grassroot base and allied organizations that advance our housing public policy goals. This position also will work to advance racial equity.
Initially, this work will focus on an initiative that brings together key stakeholders to change policies and laws to create a dedicated stream of revenue for affordable housing and services for those experiencing homelessness. The Associate Director will also play a leadership role in establishing and operating a new 501(c)4 companion organization. This position provides leadership on CCH’s organizing team and works in close collaboration with CCH’s policy and legal departments.

Duties Include:

  • Work in close collaboration with the Director of Organizing and the policy department on the development and execution of CCH’s organizing and advocacy campaigns.
  • Provide strategic leadership on 501(c)4 activities, including, but not limited to:
    • Helping lead c4 eligible work,
    • Providing strategic guidance on 501(c)4 allowable activities,
    • Training staff and grassroots leadership on 501(c)4 work,
    • And, in conjunction with CCH’s administrative department, ensuring compliance with relevant rules and regulations.
  • Staff and provide leadership in campaign coalitions.
  • Plan and execute campaign strategy in partnership with other key staff and coalition partners.
  • Promote and facilitate relationships with key current and potential partners.
  • Plan and execute direct actions and other tactics, including the coordination of neighborhood-level
    fieldwork such as canvassing and door knocking.
  • Supervise and mentor staff organizers and grassroots leaders to deepen advocacy skills and political analysis.
  • Help to design and conduct workshops and presentations that prepare base members to lead
    elements of our campaigns.
  • Co-lead the development of a core group of leaders’ engagement in campaign strategy and decision making.
  • Assist with CCH’s community organizing training, which also helps build skills and knowledge of our
    base members and stakeholders.

Qualifications/Skills:
We’re seeking candidates who excel in relationship-building and collaboration, who are results-oriented, strong strategic thinkers, who want to build power, and who have strong project management skills.

  • 5 or more years prior experience leading grassroots organizing or political campaigns
  • Ability to formulate and deliver on short-term and long-term campaign-building goals.
  • Coalition experience and skills in navigating organizational relationships.
  • Experience leading work within a 501(c)4 environment and a strong understanding of related
    rules and regulations.
  • Familiarity with a diverse range of organizing tactics and strategies.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead direct actions and events.
  • Experience supervising organizers.
  • Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to establish and
    cultivate respectful relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.
  • Ability to create and facilitate trainings and workshops.
  • Demonstrated ability to stay on task and meet deadlines and goals.
  • Detail oriented and the ability to work independently and in a team environment.
  • Commitment to racial, economic, gender and social justice.
  • Appreciation for work-life balance.
  • Proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and VAN.
  • Spanish language skills are a plus.

Salary range: $76,125 -$79,125

Salary above the base salary is available if the candidate meets one or more of the following criteria – demonstrated second language proficiency ($1,000), lived experience of homelessness ($1,000), certification in racial equity work ($1,000).

Excellent benefits, including health, four weeks of paid vacation, and a sabbatical program.

Please send a resume and cover letter to: organizerpositions@chicagohomeless.org with the subject line “Associate Director of Organizing, Strategic Campaigns”
Deadline to apply is November 20th.

As of July 1, 2022, all employees should be up to date on vaccination series as indicated by the CDC. The currently approved vaccines under this policy are Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and boosters. No vaccine shall be designated unless and until itis fully approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or approved by the FDA for emergency use authorization. Employees are in compliance with the vaccine mandate two weeks after receiving the last vaccination required to be up-to-date in the series. Timing and dosage (one shot for Johnson & Johnson, two shots for Moderna with 28 days between shots, two shots for Pfizer with 21 days between shots and boosters as they become eligible).

Prospective employees will be expected to comply with this policy within two months of accepting their offer of employment.

The Chicago Coalition for the Homeless believes that personnel diversity is an organizational strength and recognizes and values the intersectional identities that staff members bring to our organization. We are enriched by the diverse experiences, beliefs, and ways of thinking that employees of different backgrounds bring.

People of color and people who have experienced homelessness or poverty are strongly encouraged to apply. Fair consideration is given to all qualified applicants regardless of criminal record. CCH is committed to providing equal employment consideration without discrimination on the basis of race, sex, disability, religion, national origin, ancestry, military status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or any other legally protected status.

More job opportunities beyond “Associate Director of Organizing, Strategic Campaigns” can be found on our “Jobs & Internships” website page.

Changing the world is a family affair

Horizontal banner. White text in blue box reads: "Changing the world is a family affair." Includes photo of a smiling Black family (two teen girls, one adult woman, and one teen boy) posing in front of a colorful mural.
CCH Board Member and grassroots leader Maxica Williams survived cancer and navigated homelessness. Now she and her family are working to make sure others don’t have to endure the same challenges they did.

Maxica and her three school-age children moved into their new home in Chicago’s Washington Park neighborhood last January. It has six bedrooms and a big backyard – perfect for making snow angels in the winter and leaf angels in the fall. The residential streets and proximity to parks offer ample space for family strolls with their new puppy, Roxy. And a nearby community garden provides fresh produce for cooking and eating together.  

DeNaysa,16, is a bookworm. The salutatorian of her 8th grade class, the now high school sophomore enjoys band, choir, and volleyball. She is also learning how to drive. DeSera, 14, is a “momma’s girl,” – a natural caregiver and straight-A honors student. She loves choir and is a sprinter on her high school’s track and field team. DeVon, 13, is a talented athlete, playing basketball, football, softball, and volleyball. He likes turning his poetry into music, using skills learned from an After School Matters program. 

“My kids are my heart and soul and the centers of my life,” said Maxica.  

Continue reading Changing the world is a family affair

Match Opportunity: Support Chicagoans impacted by homelessness by donating to the CCH Mutual Aid Fund today! 

CCH’s Mutual Aid Fund (MAF) is an innovative, low-barrier direct cash-assistance program for Illinois individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Created in May 2020 in response to the pandemic, the fund was designed by and continues to be managed by grassroots leaders with lived experience of homelessness.  

To date, the Mutual Aid Fund has distributed 710 grants of $500, totaling $355,000 in direct assistance!  

MAF recipients have used the funds for critical, urgent needs, including security deposits, hotel/motel stays, monthly bus passes for work, and doctor’s appointments and medicines. 

Join us in helping even more individuals and families impacted by homelessness: Through October 31, donations up to $50,000 will be matched by long-time community partners Marta Delgado & Sam Nandi. 

CCH aims to raise at least $100,000 for the Mutual Aid Fund this year, enough to provide 200 cash grants to community members impacted by homelessness. 

Please consider supporting the Mutual Aid Fund today! 

Your support makes a difference: CCH’s Mutual Aid Fund in action 

“I did the application because I’m living in a difficult situation – I am diabetic and need a balanced diet. Sometimes I go to sleep without a dollar in my pocket, not knowing how I will pay for rent. I used the funds to buy food and pay a portion of my rent.”

Vicente H.

“Being homeless during the pandemic felt impossible, but the fund helped me with food, hygiene products and most importantly art supplies…which helped me to earn more income and to feel more secure in the post-pandemic world, that had seemed to forget the homeless. CCH didn’t forget though…the fund was there to help.”

Trevor R. 

“When I found out I was chosen to receive the Mutual Aid Funds, I was so happy and appreciative. I had recently moved into a new apartment and abruptly lost my income temporarily. I was able to open a checking account and had a little cushion to pay my bills. Resources such as this should always be available for hard-working people who do not qualify for government assistance.”

Juanita R.

WTTW – Campaign Calls for Dedicated Funding to Address Homelessness in Chicago

By Erica Gunderson  July 31, 2022

In June, the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless gave Mayor Lori Lightfoot a failing report card on her administration’s progress on the issue. Now, they’re rallying support among City Council members for their Bring Chicago Home campaign.         

Continue reading WTTW – Campaign Calls for Dedicated Funding to Address Homelessness in Chicago

Austin Weekly News – Bring Chicago Home campaign urges alderman to support homelessness proposal

By Igor Studenkov  July 22, 2022

Around 50 to 60 members of the Bring Chicago Home coalition marched to the office of Ald. Jason Ervin (28th), located inside of the JLM Abundant Life Center, 2622 W. Jackson Blvd. in East Garfield Park, on July 18, urging him to lend his support to an ordinance that would create a dedicated funding stream for homeless prevention. 

Continue reading Austin Weekly News – Bring Chicago Home campaign urges alderman to support homelessness proposal

Austin Weekly News – Bring Chicago Home campaign urges alderman to support homelessness proposal

By Igor Studenkov July 22, 2022

Around 50 to 60 members of the Bring Chicago Home coalition marched to the office of Ald. Jason Ervin (28th), located inside of the JLM Abundant Life Center, 2622 W. Jackson Blvd. in East Garfield Park, on July 18, urging him to lend his support to an ordinance that would create a dedicated funding stream for homeless prevention. 

Continue reading Austin Weekly News – Bring Chicago Home campaign urges alderman to support homelessness proposal

Chicago Sun Times – Advocates for homeless pressure Council members Ervin, Waguespack to support ballot question to fund housing

By  Michael Loria July 21, 2022

A coalition of advocates for the homeless protested outside the offices of two City Council members this week in a push to get a question added to the November ballot that would create dedicated funding to provide housing for people living on the street.

Continue reading Chicago Sun Times – Advocates for homeless pressure Council members Ervin, Waguespack to support ballot question to fund housing

Photographer Jeffrey Wolin unveils new project: Faces of Homelessness

Photographer Jeffrey Wolin’s work has spanned from documenting Holocaust survivors to Vietnam war veterans, and he has now turned his camera towards Chicago’s unhoused population. He has called West Town his home for nearly 10 years, and he is now debuting a project about unhoused community members, Faces of Homelessness.  

The work is currently on display at the Catherine Edelman Gallery at 1637 W. Chicago Ave. through February 15. And on Tuesday, February 8, CCH is hosting a virtual panel with the Chicago Public Library featuring Wolin, CCH Executive Director Doug Schenkelberg, Alderperson Matt Martin of Chicago’s 47th Ward and two photography subjects, Ronald Matthews and Melodi Serna. 

Continue reading Photographer Jeffrey Wolin unveils new project: Faces of Homelessness