This spring, CCH is advocating for a number of statewide measures in Springfield that would help remove barriers for people experiencing and at risk of homelessness. CCH policy and organizing staff, along with our grassroots leaders, are currently leading efforts to pass three bills that will impact college students experiencing homelessness, extremely low-income families and children, and people with criminal legal system involvement, including returning citizens.

Bring Chicago Home to host a citywide housing forum next Tuesday

Our Bring Chicago Home (BCH) campaign, in partnership with Right to Recovery, CCH, and other BCH steering committee members, will host a virtual citywide housing forum, We Demand Better. Join us Tuesday, May 4 at 5:30 p.m. to demand that the city of Chicago does more to create safe, stable housing for all. Register here. The city will receive $1.9 billion in discretionary funds through the American Rescue Plan. Mayor Lightfoot spent over 60% of flexible funding from the CARES Act on policing, and is now proposing that nearly half of the incoming flexible funding is spent on the city’s debt rather than on what residents need. Meanwhile, nearly 77,000 people are experiencing homelessness in Chicago.

Help for Students Experiencing Homelessness Is On The Way

The U.S. Department of Education recently announced plans, as part of the American Rescue Plan, to distribute $800 million in federal funding to ensure that students experiencing homelessness are identified, enrolled in school, and provided with services to ensure their success. This week, $200 million of the funding was released to states. Illinois will receive a total allocation of more than $33 million with $8.2 million already released. This unprecedented level of federal support is desperately needed as students without permanent housing faced numerous barriers to education throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

CCH welcomes Vanessa Álvarez to head our new Communications Department

Earlier this month, Vanessa joined our staff to guide the creation of a new two-person department which will focus, enhance and streamline CCH’s existing communications efforts, ensuring alignment with CCH’s strategic goals and efforts to advance racial equity. We are excited to have her join our staff. E. Vanessa Álvarez is a strategist and marketing and communications pro from and living in Chicago. Her love for her city and its people lead her to be a catalyst for its communities. Vanessa was born with natural curiosity, always asking questions. Early on, storytelling became a part of her life.

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