StoryCorps Chicago: Once Homeless Themselves, These Women Are Now Fighting For Homeless High Schoolers

Ashley Allen first met Jayme Robinson when she interviewed her for a college scholarship.

Editor’s Note: Jayme Robinson and Ashley Allen are long-time members of the CCH Education Committee. A new college graduate, Jayme joined the CCH staff in June as a VISTA organizer.

Listen to the story audio HERE. 

By Bill Healy

Jayme Robinson is 21 and a college graduate. That’s no small feat, considering that she became homeless her senior year of high school.

Earlier this year, Chicago Public Schools updated its policies so that homeless students are now entitled to enrollment without proof-of-residence or guardianship. It also gives these students access to tutoring services, uniforms, and fees waivers, among other things.

Robinson came to the StoryCorps booth at the Chicago Cultural Center with her mentor, Ashley Allen, who used to be homeless as well. They spoke about their experiences growing up, and how that translates into the work they do today, advocating on behalf of the 20,000 homeless students in Chicago Public Schools.

StoryCorps’ mission is to provide Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs with the opportunity to share, record and preserve their stories. These excerpts, edited by WBEZ, present some of our favorites from the current visit, as well as from previous trips.