community organizing Archives - Chicago Coalition for the Homeless

Changing the world is a family affair

Posted on December 13, 2022December 13, 2022 by Erin Sindewald

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.

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

Posted on August 4, 2022November 18, 2022 by Karianne Canfield

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

Posted on July 31, 2022September 23, 2022 by Karianne Canfield

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.

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

Posted on July 22, 2022September 23, 2022 by Karianne Canfield

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 (28^th), 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.

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

Posted on July 22, 2022September 23, 2022 by Karianne Canfield

By Igor Studenkov July 22, 2022

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

Posted on July 21, 2022September 23, 2022 by Karianne Canfield

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.

Photographer Jeffrey Wolin unveils new project: Faces of Homelessness

Posted on January 28, 2022February 8, 2022 by Vanessa Álvarez

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 47^th Ward and two photography subjects, Ronald Matthews and Melodi Serna.

Elizabeth and her family are finally home

Posted on December 14, 2021December 16, 2021 by Vanessa Álvarez

All parents want a safe, stable, loving home for their children. Grassroots leader Elizabeth Maldonado, a mother of four, is no different. Although her journey to housing had been tough, her desire to provide a real home for her children was stronger.

Born in Honduras, Elizabeth’s family moved from place to place – never having a home of their own. They moved to Florida, then Ohio, and then back to Central America, always staying with family or in shelters. Abuse was a common occurrence.

Remembering our mentor, organizer, life coach, and friend, Keith Freeman

Posted on November 18, 2021November 19, 2021 by Vanessa Álvarez

With sad and heavy hearts, we share the news that our friend and colleague Senior Community Organizer Keith Freeman passed away on November 10 after a long illness.

By Grassroots Leaders at the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless

What words would we use to describe Keith? He was hard-working. He was relentless. He was compassionate, a listener and people person. He was an all-around nice guy. He was a GEM – someone that would always Go the Extra Mile. He not only saw the best in us, but he brought out the best in us.

Bring Chicago Home: Advocates reintroduce resolution at City Hall to combat homelessness

Posted on July 22, 2021August 31, 2021 by Vanessa Álvarez

CCH Grassroots Leader Maxica Williams
Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Triche Atkins
Alderwoman Maria Hadden (49th Ward)

Outside City Hall on Wednesday, July 21, 2021, elected officials and advocates stood together to demonstrate support and to speak on the pressing need to address homelessness and housing instability. As Illinois’ Eviction Moratorium is set to be lifted, a dedicated funding stream for affordable housing is needed.