The State Budget Impasse Is Causing Homelessness In Illinois: A Responsible Budget With Adequate Revenue Is Urgently Needed
Starting August 14, 2015 and through September 2, 2015, homeless service providers throughout Illinois were surveyed to find out what steps they have already taken in response to the state budget impasse and what steps they will have to take if the budget impasse continues and/or their funding in next year’s budget is significantly reduced. One hundred and one homeless service providers responded — agencies large and small, from urban, suburban and rural communities.
State Budget Cuts Will Guarantee More Households Becoming Homeless This Winter
Deep cutbacks in state funding have jeopardized two high-need programs that help Illinois households that are at immediate risk of becoming homeless, or already homeless and trying to get re-housed.Illinois’ Homeless Prevention Grant program has had yearly funding cut by 87% since FY 2008, and Emergency and Transitional Housing was cut by 52% in the FY 2012 state budget. An October 2011 survey shows that because of these cuts, as we head into the winter months:Half of the Illinois agencies that distribute homeless prevention grants to households will have no funds remaining by the end of December — so no new funds will be available until July 2012.Across Illinois, 62% of state-funded emergency shelters and transitional housing programs have already.
About Chicago Coalition For The Homeless
Chicago Coalition for the Homeless is a 41-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. We recognize that homelessness is a problem that steps 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.
Also Check: Gmc Sierra For Sale Chicago
Estimate Of Homeless People In Chicago
Chicago Coalition for the Homeless has developed a new methodology for estimating the homelesspopulation in Chicago throughout the year. CCH uses a definition of homelessness which incorporatesall those considered homeless under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s definition, and also incorporates portions of the U.S. Department of Education McKinney-Ventodefinition of homelessness. The DOE definition includes people who are living “doubled-up,” which meansstaying with others due to loss of housing or economic hardship. CCH includes doubled-up households inour definition because it more accurately captures the way most people experience homelessness.The methodology uses the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey data to estimate the numberof doubled-up individuals in Chicago in 2015. It also uses data from the city’s Homeless ManagementInformation System from 2015 to count those served in the shelter system. It then removes duplicatesby identifying individuals who experienced both forms of homelessness during the year.
Chicago Coalition For The Homeless Associate Board
The Associate Board of the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless is comprised of young professionals from the community who support the organizations efforts year-round.
This board spearheads the annual Craft Beer Throwdown fundraiser and supports Coalition efforts in the city and beyond. The Association Board also supports the work of the Coalition by participating in numerous events throughout the year.
The following are a few of the organizations the Associate Board represents. These organizations are vital to the mission of the Coalition for the Homeless in Chicago.
The CCH is an intersectional funder collaborative that unites nearly 30 organizations working to end homelessness in the city. The group supports the work of the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless by aligning grantmaking with the citys public sector partners.
See more : Maxine Waters Tells Homeless to Go Home
In the fiscal year 2020, CFTEH funders plan to invest more than $25 million in local programs to end homelessness. The funds provided by the associations associate board members are used to support the work of close to 200 grantee partners.
See more: The Colorado Coalition For The Homeless: Everything you should know
Read Also: Chicago Northside Storage Old Town
Chicago Housing Authority Reentry Pilot
The CHA Reentry Pilot was designed by the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless Reentry Committee and the Chicago Housing Authority . The CHA Reentry Pilot has the potential to improve CHA’s responsiveness to community needs through an innovative approach to housing ex-offenders who have truly turned their lives around and who receive continued support from reentry service providers once housed.
Your Next Real Estate Transaction Could Help Prevent Homelessness In Chicago
Chicago Coalition for the Homeless is a nonprofit organization committed to the prevention of homelessness. As a member ofInvesting in Communities®, CCH can receive funding from the real estate transactions of its supporters, at no cost to the supporter or to CCH. The more supporters use this free platform before engaging a real estate agent, the more resources CCH has for its mission.
Since its founding in 1980, CCH has operated on the belief that housing is a basic human right. CCH helps the Chicago homeless population through various efforts, including advocacy and community organizing. Ultimately, CCH seeks to develop a plan to end homelessness in Chicago, which affected an estimated 80,000 people in 2016. With funding from a diversity of partners and sponsors, CCH also helps create ladders to opportunity awarding college scholarships orhelping a family submit fee waivers for graduation. CCH also offers several programs, including HomeWorks and No Youth Alone.
Read Also: Flights From Traverse City To Chicago
Chicago Coalition For The Homeless Mutual Aid Fund
The Chicago Coalition for the Homeless has announced the creation of a new mutual aid fund, which will provide one-time emergency grants of $500 to 100 individuals and families in need.
The fund will also provide new resources for the organizations partner organizations that support adult education. Its goal is to eliminate homelessness in Chicago by 2030. To learn more, visit the website of the fund. Here, you can learn about how it works, and what you can do to help.
The Chicago Coalition for the Homeless has created a mutual aid fund to distribute grants to homeless and unsheltered individuals in Illinois. The fund is open to both individuals and organizations.
While applications must be submitted by individuals, organizations can apply for funds for a combined total of $250,000 from the fund. However, you should be aware that there is no guarantee of funding based on your application alone. Applications are reviewed by a committee of grassroots leaders and randomized via lottery.
Estimate Of Homeless People In Chicago 2018
This report shows 76,998 Chicagoans experienced homelessness in 2018, per an annual analysis by CCH that relies on the most current U.S. census data.Though the city’s aggregate homelessness count decreased from the prior year, Chicago saw a nearly 2,000-person increase among those who lived on the street or in shelters. It is a development with troubling connotations today: The city’s shelter system is a hotspot for COVID-19 infections and homelessness is expected to climb dramatically during the worsening economic downturn triggered by the pandemic.Per our analysis, the number who experienced homelessness decreased by 4,282 people, or 5.9% from 2017. This net decrease was concentrated exclusively among homeless people in temporary living situations, also known as living “doubled-up” or “couch-surfing.” The number who doubled-up in 2018 remained massive, at 58,872 Chicagoans.
Recommended Reading: Places To Celebrate Birthday In Chicago
Frequently Asked Questions About Homelessness
Where can I call for help for a homeless person or family in the city of Chicago?
Please call Chicago City Services at 311 or 744-5000.
If you are homeless and need shelter, tell the operator that you are homeless and in need of shelter.
During the coronavirus pandemic, CCH is getting calls from people who say they do not get a referral when they call the city of Chicagos 311 helpline. Please try again, hitting O to reach an operator. This is the only way to reach an operator outside of regular hours, which are 9 a.m. 4:30 p.m.
If you are housed but concerned that you may lose your housing, tell the operator you need short term help. Callers will be transferred to a Homelessness Prevention Call Center. The provider may be able to assist you in applying for a homeless prevention grant. The center is housed and operated by Catholic Charities, with services available in multiple languages.
Where can I call for help in suburban Cook County?
The Illinois Foreclosure Prevention Line is at 533-7411. It is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where can I call for legal aid or advice for a homeless person or family living in Chicago or the suburbs?
Referrals will be made available for people living outside the metropolitan area.
How do I get my name on a waitlist for public housing?
In the suburbs of Cook County, contact the Housing Authority of Cook County: Resident and Applicant Portal
How many homeless people live in Chicago?
Chicago Coalition For The Homeless
Address:
70 East Lake Street, Suite 700Chicago, IL 60601
Program:Graduate Fellowship, Law Student Internship
Since its inception in 1997, the Law Project of the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless is the only legal organization in Illinois solely dedicated to providing legal representation and advocacy to homeless or at-risk individuals, youth and families. Our team of six attorneys and intake specialist provide assistance in the areas of education, civil rights, access to health care and public benefits and other civil legal services. Our Youth Futures Mobile Legal Clinic provides representation to unaccompanied homeless youth in Chicago through targeted outreach at schools, shelters, drop-in centers and other community venues.
PILI Interns & Fellows work under the supervision of attorney Patricia Nix-Hodes, Director of the Law Project of CCH. They are expected to carry a manageable work load which includes some of the following : research and writing of memos on legal issues, assisting attorneys with intakes and individual cases, community outreach, advocacy with state and local agencies related to public benefits, housing, and education, and assistance with preparation for and appearances at hearings where appropriate.
Supervision would include regular interaction with the supervisor, review of all written work, observation and feedback on non-written work, direction regarding any tasks not previously learned or performed, and two periodic evaluations.
Don’t Miss: Flights From Los Angeles To Chicago
Due To State Budget Impasse More Than $107 Million In Dedicated Funds For Affordable Housing Are Going Unused
As the state budget impasse nears its six-month mark, the State of Illinois has accumulated $107.8 million in 7 dedicated funds to create affordable housing and end homelessness according to a report released today. However, these funds — such as the Illinois Affordable Housing Trust Fund and federal HOME Investment Partners Program funds — cannot be spent without approval by the General Assembly and Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner. These 7 dedicated funds — 6 state funds and one federal fund — have their own revenue sources and are separate and apart from General Revenue Funds collected from income taxes and other revenue sources. Spending these dedicated funds would not increase the state budget deficit. Based on the budget passed by the General Assembly in May 2015, the report estimates that resources from these dedicated funds and a small amount of GRF could:Fund programs serving the affordable housing needs of 172,350 people.Provide funding for 14,640 units of affordable housing.The programs not being funded include homeless prevention grants, emergency shelters and foreclosure prevention counseling. The housing units are primarily permanent supportive housing for people who were formerly homeless.
Supporting Healthy Aging Resources & Education
The SHARE Network is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under grant number U1QHP28728. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.
©2017, SHARE Network. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service.
Recommended Reading: Chicago To Denver Flight Time
What We Aim To Solve
An estimated 58,273 people experienced homelessness in Chicago in 2019 prior to the COVID-19 outbreak according to a census-based analysis released by CCH in August 2021. This includes 41,330 people temporarily staying with others due to economic hardship or housing loss. Though “doubling-up” is the way most people particularly families with children experience homelessness in the U.S., they are barred from accessing most housing resources due to restrictions of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development .While the pandemic has exacerbated the housing and homelessness crisis, it important to note that people experiencing homelessness were living in crisis long before this moment, with a system ill-equipped to meet growing needs and elected officials unwilling to invest in substantial solutions. CCH continues to fight for a world where everyone has a safe, permanent place to call home.
Gaps In Educational Supports For Illinois Homeless Students
Homeless children and youth in Illinois have the right under state and federal law to receive supports from their school districts to help them enroll, prevent school changes, and succeed in school. The federal government supplies some resources for school districts to achieve these goals, but the resources are far from adequate. A December 2013 statewide survey found that in a majority of school districts, more than half of homeless students who needed support were not getting the following services:52% said that more than half of homeless students did not receive tutoring52% said that more than half of homeless children that needed preschool did not access it.56% said that more than half of students did not receive counseling58% said that more than half of students did not receive help with public benefits50% said that more than half of students did not receive help with long-term housing44% said their capacity to identify and enroll homeless children and youth not in school was limited to very limited.The survey findings indicate a strong need for more resources. Chicago Coalition for the Homeless advocates that the state of Illinois restore $3 million in school grant funding to assist the growing and unmet needs of homeless students.
Recommended Reading: Best Personal Injury Law Firm In Chicago
Chicago Coalition For The Homeless Jobs
The Chicago Coalition for the Homeless is an advocacy group for the homeless. The group advocates for a change in state policy and provides opportunities for homeless people to become advocates for their rights.
In 2019, CCH campaigned with a program called Bring Chicago Home, which proposes a solution to the problem of homelessness that is affordable and accessible to 90000 homeless individuals in Chicago. These individuals are primarily unemployed and often have no income to live on.
This Chicago-based advocacy organization works to create a more inclusive community by fighting against discrimination. The organizations policy and advocacy initiatives aim to address systemic issues that lead to homelessness.
The organizations programs have a direct impact on the lives of homeless people and are highly effective in bringing about change. For example, the group works on reentry issues for returning citizens, as well as tackling barriers to housing for those in need.
The State Network works to ensure adequate state funding for housing providers in 14 suburbs and downstate communities. Similarly, the Homeless Youth Committee works to mobilize the 38 providers in Illinois for the needs of homeless youth.
You also like: How Does a Homeless Man Spend $100?
Chicago Coalition For The Homeless Events
The Chicago Coalition for the Homeless organizes advocacy to end homelessness. Its programs are aimed at helping youth and unemployed adults overcome barriers to housing and employment.
They also organize 50 outreach sessions each month. They hold educational forums for people affected by homelessness, and they give them a platform for advocacy.
In 2019, the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless will campaign for the state to pass legislation that will provide affordable housing for more than 90,000 Chicago homeless people.
The organization has gained recognition from charity rating organizations, including Charity Navigator. It also has a Platinum rating from Guidestar for its transparency and accountability.
See more: What Does The Bible Say About Homeless?
Don’t Miss: Lincoln Park Chicago Real Estate
Homeworks: Stable Home + Stable School = Bright Futures
Chicago Coalition for the Homeless surveyed 118 homeless families with school-aged children and found that the experiences of Chicago’s homeless students closely mirrored what the national research showed. Surveys were conducted at public schools, shelters, and parks during the summer of 2015. More than 80% of the families interviewed have between 1 and 3 school-aged children and less than 20% have more than three children attending school.
Sweet Home Chicago: The Story Of An Affordable Housing Campaign
The Sweet Home Chicago Coalition was comprised of nine community organizations and two labor unions that conducted a two and a half year campaign that resulted in passage of the Vacant Building TIF Purchase Rehab Program on May 4, 2011. This ordinance is one of the very few pieces of legislation to benefit low-income people that passed during Mayor Richard Daley’s 22 years in office.
Also Check: Flights To New Zealand From Chicago
What Is The Chicago Coalition For The Homeless
You might be wondering what the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless is all about if youre a senior in a Chicago high school. This nonprofit organization specializes in aiding those who are homeless.
The organization seeks to develop leaders among the homeless and formerly homeless and offers scholarships for college students in Chicago . The scholarships are renewable. The group promotes the citys need for major resources.
The Chicago Coalition for the Homeless offers a variety of services to the homeless population in the Chicago area.
While many other organizations focus on social services and education, the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless offers a variety of programs that address different aspects of homelessness. Among these programs is its Youth Futures mobile clinic.
Youth Futures provides legal assistance for homeless and unaccompanied youth up to the age of 24. More than 70% of clients are homeless students and youth.
See more: How to Stay Warm in a Car Homeless