Gregory (16), Greg, and April Harris
A child of Jamaican immigrants, April Harris grew up near Pittsburgh, PA with her brother Conrad. Her childhood was humble, but peaceful, and involved lots of road trips around the country.
“We lived a really good life,” says April.
She met her husband Greg while studying at the local community college. He was immediately drawn to April by her smile. They built a loving home together while raising their children, Gregory and Madison.
But then a financial advisor stole the family’s life savings, leaving them with nothing. They were later forced to flee Pennsylvania after becoming victims of organized crime. The family relocated to Chicago in 2014, spending several months in shelters before securing a market-rate apartment. Navigating Greg’s multiple sclerosis made paying the bills challenging, but the family managed as best they could on their social security income.
“As a family we have been through the ringer,” said April, “but we always seem to manage to rise back up.”
The Harris family with former CCH organizer Bisma Shoukat in 2019
Their challenges continued when their apartment was condemned, becoming homeless again in 2016. It was then that April was connected to the Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness (CCH).
While staying at a shelter on the South Side, April met Keith Freeman, a CCH organizer who has since passed away.
“Keith saved my life, he really did,” said April. “I was in a really dark place and when I shared my story, he said, ‘you are a powerful sister and you should join forces with us.’ I have been with CCH ever since.”
April first got involved with the Fight for $15 fair wage campaign and went on to lead the Bring Chicago Home housing campaign. At the same time, she worked to secure stability for her family. They were first connected to a one-year housing placement through Catholic Charities, then a long-term subsidized unit they called home for 3.5 years.
Through it all, April continued to grow her skills as a grassroots leader with CCH.
“I learned how to lobby. I learned how to craft and tell my story. I learned how to walk into rooms with powerful people and say, ‘Listen, this is what’s happening right in your backyard. Let’s do something about it.’”
In 2022, Access Living helped April’s family obtain a Section 8 voucher, allowing them to move to a larger apartment in Humboldt Park. They were later approved to add a chairlift and ramp as reasonable accommodations for Greg, who uses a wheelchair. April, Greg, and Gregory – now 16 – feel right at home.
Today, April is a proud member of CCH’s Speakers Bureau and CPS Focus Group, and a core leader with Bring Chicago Home. She has lobbied in Springfield, provided testimony to elected officials, and spoken at conferences. She has also provided lived expertise to guide two research projects, helping support improvements to the TANF program and efforts to end homelessness among young Illinois families.
This November, April was honored to be elected to the CCH Board of Directors, a testament to her years of service and impact.
“When I found out I started crying because I automatically thought of Keith,” said April. “I know he would be really proud of me.”
She is thrilled to continue her advocacy as a board member.
