In 2015, Robert Henderson returned from panhandling to the viaduct under which he was sleeping on Chicago’s West Side. He was unhoused at the time.
“When I came back, I saw a blue garbage truck,” recalled Henderson, now 70. “When I finally looked around, everything that I owned at that particular time was thrown in the garbage truck.”
His belongings included blood pressure medicine, his Social Security and Medicaid cards, a copy of his birth certificate, family photos and clippings of loved ones’ obituaries.
With help from the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, Henderson sued and settled a case against the city of Chicago on the grounds that tossing his belongings violated Illinois’ Homeless Bill of Rights, enacted in 2013.
Now, Henderson, who has lived in a Chicago Housing Authority apartment for the past seven years, is using his experience to speak out against a high-profile case on the U.S. Supreme Court docket.
This upcoming election holds a special significance for Chicago Coalition for the Homeless. In addition to voting on key races at local and national levels, at the end of the ballot, you will find a referendum question – known as Bring Chicago Home or Ballot Question One – which would give the city the authority to restructure the city’s real estate transfer tax (the one-time tax paid when a property is bought) so that anyone buying a property for under $1 million would pay a lesser rate, and anyone buying a property for over $1 million would pay a marginally higher rate. All the new funds from the real estate transfer tax would be legally dedicated toward affordable housing and supportive services to prevent homelessness.
This moment has been years in the making. After years of organizing to create a dedicated stream of funding to address homelessness by amending the real estate transfer tax, the Bring Chicago Home coalition – convened by Chicago Coalition for the Homeless – successfully lobbied City Council to put a referendum question to authorize the restructuring of the real estate transfer tax on the ballot. The ballot question is a necessary legal step to pass an ordinance in City Council to implement Bring Chicago Home’s proposal.
Despite an initial court ruling suppressing the vote on the ballot, on March 6th that decision was overturned. This means that on March 19th – you will have the opportunity to vote on a proposal that would dramatically shift how Chicago addresses its housing and homelessness crisis. You have an opportunity to help Bring Chicago Home by voting YES on Ballot Question One.
Evie, a volunteer with the Bring Chicago Home campaign, helps out at a CCH West Side Canvass on February 3, 2024.
Voting While Experiencing Homelessness
All people experiencing homelessness – whether they are street-based, living in shelters, or doubled-up in the homes of others – have the right to vote. This right is protected by state and federal laws, including the 2013 Illinois Bill of Rights for the Homeless Act.
You can check online to see if you are registered here.
You can register to vote at an Early Voting Site OR on Election Day!
Any Illinois resident ages 18 or older can register to vote on Election Day at the precinct polling place assigned to their residential mailing address. Chicago residents can also register at the Loop Super Site located downtown.
You are required to bring two (2) forms of identification (ID) when registering to vote on-site, including one that shows proof of residence or a mailing address. Acceptable forms of ID include mail postmarked to the applicant; an Illinois driver’s license or state ID card; a municipal ID card (for example, the Chicago CityKey); an employee or student ID; Social Security card; birth certificate; credit card; valid U.S. passport; and lease or rental contract.
Illinois residents who are homeless have the right to vote in all local, state, and national elections, including the upcoming Primary Election on March 19th. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Illinois permits residents to vote early and request to vote by mail without providing an excuse or reason for this request. Also, Illinois residents can vote on Election Day even if they are not yet registered to vote.
As one form of ID, a person experiencing homelessness can provide a letter from a drop-in center, shelter, or the person in whose home they are living doubled-up. The letter must confirm that the named person has permission to use the address to register to vote.
To register to vote, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old on or before Election Day, and not claim the right to vote elsewhere.
You cannot vote if you are currently incarcerated for a conviction. But, if you are in pre-trial detention and have not been convicted, you remain eligible to vote. Learn more about how to vote in pre-trial detention.
When is ID needed and not needed to vote?
Identification is not necessary if the person experiencing homelessness has already registered to vote at the polling place; the signature they provide matches the one on file; and an election judge does not challenge the person’s right to vote.
But identification is necessary in these situations:
They registered by mail and did not include the Illinois ID/driver’s license number or Social Security number.
An election judge challenges the person’s right to vote. Please note: A common reason for challenging a person’s right to vote occurs after the Board of Elections has sent mail to verify a voter’s mailing address, but the mail was returned.
The individual is registering to vote on-site (see above)
If a voter needs to show ID but is unable to do so, they may cast a provisional ballot. For that provisional ballot to be counted, the voter must present ID within seven (7) days of the election to the Board of Elections.
Voting after a recent move, whether homeless or housed
If you moved within the same precinct within 27 days of the election, you can vote a full ballot by signing an affidavit.
If you moved outside of your precinct more than 30 days before the election and did not register in your new precinct, you may grace-period update your registration through Election Day, and then grace-period vote.
If you moved outside of your precinct less than 30 days before the election, but still live in Illinois and did not transfer your registration, you may grace-period update your registration to your new address through Election Day and grace-period vote. Or, you can vote a full ballot in your old polling place after completing an affidavit.
For Election Day assistance, call these legal help desks:
Chicago Board of Elections, (312) 269-7870
Cook County Clerk Karen A. Yarbrough office, (312) 603-0236
Illinois State Board of Elections has phone numbers in Chicago at (312) 814-6440, and in Springfield at (217) 782-4141. Operators will be standing by until 11 p.m. in Chicago and until 12 midnight in Springfield.
Bring Chicago Home coalition members rally outside Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s home on December 19, 2022.
By Niya K. Kelly, Director of State Legislative Policy, Equity and Transformation
FIRSTHAND is a local public television program presented by WTTW. Aired 02/19/24.
Brian walked into St. Leonard’s Ministries with the goal of leaving homelessness behind him. He’s taking advantage of his new life and repairing broken family relationships after years of couch surfing and sleeping in vehicles. Brian is making his voice heard through advocacy work with the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless.
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).
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.
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.
We thank all the attendees and recipients who joined us on December 8th for our Annual Victory Celebration. To commemorate this event we have put together a photo gallery to share with family and friends the successes and joy we have built together this year.
This year’s winners were:
Honorable State Representative Will Guzzardi for his legislative advocacy supporting people experiencing homelessness in Illinois
Honorable State Representative Lakesia Collins for her legislative advocacy supporting the expansion of early learning opportunities for families in care
Start Early- Illinois Policy Team for their advocacy in expanding early learning and supportive services for families and their children
Commissioner Marisa Novara and Commissioner Brandie Knazze for their leadership in providing housing for households living doubled-up
Deb Dempsey, Kane County, Regional Office of Education, for her advocacy on behalf of students experiencing homelessness
Bob Palmer, of Housing Action Illinois, Les Brown Award for Excellence in Public Policy
Research Advisory Board Members Heartland Alliance’s Social IMPACT Research Center in recognition of the creation and development of the TANF Research Project
The crowd sitting in waitDoug SchenkelbergCrowd watching Julie Dworkin speakJim Picchetti awards Bob PalmerJulie Dworkin, Commissioner Maria Novara, and Commissioner Brandie KnazzeCommissioner Marisa Novara and Commissioner Brandie KnazzeRepresentative Lakesia Collins and Niya KellyMarketta Sims reading a Poem Juanita Rogers reading a PoemMaxica Williams and Ms. Betty hold their glass plaquesEdrika Fulford’s DaughterTANF HonoreeTaishi Neuman looks up as other TANF Team members stand around her. Honorable Representative Will Guzzardi and Gloria Davis (CCH)Deb DempseyBob Palmer, Housing Action IllinoisCommissioner Brandie KnazzeCommissioner Marisa Novara Juanita RogersAttendeesRepresentative Lakesia Collins and Representative Will GuzzardiCommissioner Brandie Knazze with attendeesAttendeesTANF Honorees
As we end 2022 Victory Celebration and enter 2023 we look forward to our collaboration with the community working to ensure housing is accessible to everyone. Addressing homelessness has many layers and together we will continue to be tenacious to make housing a human right.
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.
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.”
