Homeless advocates ‘deeply disappointed’ by Lightfoot betrayal, shift to ‘business-as-usual’ politics

Leaders of a campaign to use a Chicago real estate transfer tax increase to fund an aggressive effort to reduce homelessness slammed the new mayor for abandoning their cause now that she’s eyeing the same revenue source to help balance her first budget.

“We’re deeply disappointed that Mayor Lightfoot broke her campaign promise to support the Bring Chicago Home proposal. In addition, she did so without making any attempt first to collaborate with the community,” said Julie Dworkin, policy director for the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, accusing the mayor of “business-as-usual” politics.

 

StreetLight Chicago: Book-a-Bed adds access to more youth shelter beds

More beds have been added to Book-a-Bed! The shelter-access feature is offered on StreetLight Chicago, a free mobile app of resources for homeless youth. Youth can reserve a bed at four overnight youth shelters. In August, La Casa Norte began offering two beds at its Logan Square shelter and five beds at its Back of the Yards shelter. Eight beds remain available at The Crib on Chicago’s North Side and three beds at Ujima Village on the city’s South Side.

 

Twelve Illinois municipalities have now repealed unconstitutional panhandling ordinances

Three Illinois municipalities voted this month to repeal unconstitutional panhandling ordinances, responding to a warning letter sent by attorneys from the Law Project at the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, ACLU of Illinois, and the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty. Including Chicago, 12 Illinois municipalities have repealed panhandling ordinances after receiving warning letters within the past year. More than 75 municipalities across the U.S. have repealed after being advised by advocates working with the national Housing Not Handcuffs campaign.

 

CCH welcomes youth attorney Mary Frances Charlton

CCH welcomes Mary Frances Charlton, who has joined the staff of the Youth Futures mobile legal aid clinic. In her new role, Mary Frances will provide civil legal representation to Chicago-area youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability, and advocate for policies that reduce systemic barriers to health care and public benefits for homeless youth and adults. Prior to coming to CCH, Mary Frances worked for a consumer rights law firm, Edelman Combs Latturner & Goodwin, representing consumers in fighting unlawful debt collection and banking practices in both federal and Illinois state courts.

 

Support Youth Futures at Skender Foundation’s October 17 fall fundraiser

CCH is grateful to have been chosen as the beneficiary for Skender Foundation’s 8th annual Harvesting Hope fundraiser. Proceeds from the event will support CCH’s Youth Futures mobile legal aid clinic. Harvesting Hope will take place on Thursday, October 17 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Venue West in the West Loop. Styled as a cocktail reception, tickets are $75 and entitle guests to an evening of delicious food and drink, music spun by a live DJ, a silent auction, and various games and prizes.

 

Upcoming Events

 
 
 
 
 
Unsubscribe