History of CCH

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Since 1980, the Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness (CCH) has organized and advocated to make housing a human right.

2018

CCH Chicago Homeless Estimate: 69,519

Chicago’s 2015 Affordable Requirements Ordinance performs far below its goals.

Rising poverty in Illinois increases homelessness risk.

Trump budget proposes deep HUD cuts, but Congress keeps most funding.

2019

CCH Chicago Homeless Estimate: 58,273

Chicago’s increase in homelessness funding aims to expand youth and low-income housing access.

Chicago’s 2019-2023 Five-Year Housing Task force is implemented to create affordable housing.

2020

Formation of CPS Focus Group
The CPS Focus Group works to increase resources and improve opportunities for students experiencing homelessness within Chicago Public Schools.

2020

Creation of Edrika Fulford Mutual Aid Fund

Created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Edrika Fulford Mutual Aid Fund provides low-barrier direct cash-assistance grants for Illinoisans experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

2020

CCH Chicago Homeless Estimate: 65,611

Trump administration cancels AFFH rule, worsening housing discrimination and homelessness risk.

CARES Act provides money to support homelessness programs during COVID-19 pandemic.

CDC issues eviction moratorium for tenants under a certain income.

Economic Impact Payments deliver financial relief to households, including those at risk of homelessness.

COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately harms Chicago’s Black communities, worsening housing inequalities and homelessness risk.

2021

CCH Chicago Homeless Estimate: 68,440

American Rescue Plan Act allocates funding for rental assistance and homelessness programs.

An Illinois Executive Order launches new strategy to reduce homelessness.

Federal eviction moratorium ends, triggering a rise in evictions and homelessness risk.

2022

CCH Chicago Homeless Estimate: 76,375

The Federal Ending Homelessness Act expands housing vouchers and makes homelessness grants permanent.

Texas busses thousands of immigrants to Chicago, straining shelters and housing resources.

Illinois passes Source of Income Fair Housing Law, banning landlord discrimination against vouchers or SSI users.

Biden administration launches “All In” plan to cut homelessness.

2023

CCH Chicago Homeless Estimate: 59,681

COVID-19 relief (eviction ban, tax credits, stimulus checks, rental aid) ends.

Chicago introduces Bring Chicago Home ordinance, which would tax high-value property sales to fund affordable housing.

2024

CCH Chicago Homeless Estimate: 58,625

Supreme Court rules cities can punish homeless people for public camping, expanding criminalization risks.

Chicago appoints Chicago’s first Chief of Homelessness Officer and introduces five-year housing strategy.

Chicago voters reject “Bring Chicago Home” real estate tax, blocking new housing/homelessness funding.

Chicago ends guaranteed shelter beds for new immigrant arrivals, raising risk of unsheltered homelessness.

2024

New Name, New Look, Same Goal to End Homelessness
Chicago Coalition for the Homeless is now Chicago Coalition to end Homelessness.

2025

Full estimate coming in 2027

Trump’s Executive Order reverses “Housing First,” favoring treatment-based strategies and involuntary commitment.

Studies confirm rental assistance and supportive services significantly reduce homelessness.

Illinois cuts 2026 housing program budget, raising concerns about worsening housing crisis.

*Sunsetted program/initiative

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