Vanessa Alvarez

Chicago Coalition for the Homeless

Chicago Coalition for the Homeless is staffed by legal aid attorneys, community organizers, and public policy specialists. We work with Chicago area residents who experience homelessness, helping them advocate on key issues impacting their lives, including access to shelter, housing, schools and jobs. Our advocacy includes the Bring Chicago Home campaign, launched in November 2018. Through monthly outreach at more than 40 shelters and service programs across Chicago and at community events, organizers and youth attorneys reach 10,000+ students, youth, parents and single adults each year. Our State Network is active in 14 suburbs and downstate communities, including Aurora, Rockford, Waukegan and Will County, involving about 1,300 people yearly. CCH brings more than 500 people to talk with state leaders in Springfield each year. The Law Project closed 848 legal aid cases in FY19, 71% on behalf of homeless students and unaccompanied youth. Our Speakers Bureau reaches over 3,500 people a year, many of them high school and college students. CCH's college scholarship program assists 20 students a year, providing renewable $2,500 awards. CCH does not accept government funding. Our work is supported by tax-deductible donations, foundation grants, and special events.