Causes: Civil Rights, Crime & Law, Homeless & Housing, Public Interest Law

Mission: Chicago Coalition for the Homeless (CCH) organizes and advocates to prevent and end homelessness, because we believe housing is a human right in a just society

Results:
CCH leads campaigns to address the causes of homelessness, including lack of affordable housing, fair wage jobs, health care access, and equal opportunity for systemically marginalized communities. We combine organizing, policy advocacy, and legal aid to build power and make change.
 
Community organizers develop grassroots leaders who have experienced homelessness to guide CCH advocacy: They help decide strategy, speak to the media and government officials, and serve on leadership committees. Our policy team leverages the expertise of people with lived experience to drive local and statewide initiatives that support those impacted by poverty. The Law Project provides free legal aid to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Together, we champion affordable housing and protect access to schools, health care, and human services.

Geographic areas served: Chicago, Illinois

Programs:
Through outreach at shelters, schools, and on the street, CCH educates people impacted by homelessness on their rights and options, and engages those interested in advocacy.
 
Our Bring Chicago Home campaign seeks to create a dedicated revenue stream to address homelessness in Chicago.
 
A Speakers Bureau reaches about 3,000 people yearly.
 
The Reentry Project addresses housing and job barriers for returning citizens.
 
The State Network convenes a table of housing providers from 14 suburbs and downstate communities to advocate for adequate state and federal funding to address homelessness and to improve state housing programs and policies.
 
The Homeless Youth Committee mobilizes 38 providers across Illinois to advocate for policies that support unaccompanied youth.
 
A CPS Focus Group works to support homeless students attending Chicago Public Schools.

Our creative writing program, Horizons, is offered on-site in shelters.
 
The Law Project runs Youth Futures, a mobile legal aid clinic for youth ages 14 – 24.Youth Futures co-manages StreetLight Chicago, a free app with resources for unstably housed young people.
 
Our college scholarship program provides renewable awards of $3,500 to students that have been homeless.
 
CCH conducts an annual estimate of Chicago’s homeless population using a model that includes people living doubled-up or couch surfing.