pandemic Archives - Chicago Coalition for the Homeless

As the winter solstice approaches, we remember those we have lost

Posted on December 15, 2021January 18, 2022 by Vanessa Álvarez

A message from Wayne Richard, Director of Organizing

Two hands holding taper candles, transferring the flame from one candle to the other.

As we approach the longest night of the year, the winter solstice on December 21, we turn our hearts and minds to those who must seek refuge in the streets, those who experience homelessness.

Homelessness is an experience so severe that some don’t survive it. Each year for over a decade, we have gathered to memorialize those who have lost their lives while they were homeless.

Recent changes to federal programs that assist families

Posted on September 25, 2021October 1, 2021 by Vanessa Álvarez

By Niya K. Kelly, Director of State Legislative Policy, Equity and Transformation

As we all continue to navigate the pandemic and its ramifications, Chicago Coalition for the Homeless would like to provide some information about updates to federal benefits programs that assist families and individuals in our community.

As CPS identification of homeless students drops, CCH offers recommendations

Posted on August 19, 2021August 31, 2021 by Vanessa Álvarez

By Alyssa Phillips, Education Attorney

The number of students identified as homeless in Chicago Public Schools (CPS) declined 34% since the 2018-19 school year. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, students and school districts nationwide faced unprecedented challenges. School districts, including CPS, implemented remote, hybrid, and in-person learning models as COVID-19 cases and deaths ravaged communities, hitting communities of color especially hard. In CPS, it was particularly challenging for schools to identify and serve students experiencing homelessness.