Doug currently serves on the Illinois Partners for Human Service board and in a 2019 Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow. He is a graduate of both Grinnell College and the University of Illinois-Chicago.
Development
Although his childhood career plan was to write Spiderman comics, he believes homelessness is a solvable problem and is dedicated to his work. He is additionally dedicated to his dogs, Stella and Jackson. Ask about his Mick Jagger impression!
In her free time, Erin enjoys running, comics, trivia, crosswords, being outside, eating snacks on her couch, and spending time with her niblings.
Communications
For media inquiries, call (773) 263-8578 or email doug@chicagohomeless.org.
Organizing
In her free time, Alyssa loves to bake.
Claudia’s volunteer work is a blend of advocacy and direct support, helping seniors regain their autonomy and lead in changing policies that affect their lives and health. She has visited Uganda to collaborate with Health Nest Uganda (HENU), aiding their mission to support the elderly. Here at home, her volunteer time is focused on bringing awareness to the unique needs of this demographic in my community.
She holds a master’s in social work from Dominican University, with a minor in Education. In her free time, she takes long walks in nature and creates art in painting, tattooing, and sculpting.
He has worked with our team since June 2021 and works with other nonprofits in his free time. Alex writes and performs poetry, and helps organize a show, Exhibit B: A Literary Variety Show sponsored by the local nonprofit the Guild Literary Complex.
Alex coaches track and field in Chicago Public Schools on and off when he has space. He finds community in both arts and athletics, bringing him peace.
Raised in San Juan Puerto Rico and spending summers in Chicago, created a special bond for Nina. Chicago is also her home. Her volunteerism spans many issues from Veterans Hospital, Senior Living Homes, Youth Centers, Soup Kitchens, School Districts, and Community Gardens. Nina is also appointed as appointed Special Needs Child Advocate.
Nina finds peace in cultivating meaningful relationships, engaging in creative activities like jewelry making, and exploring nature.
Born and raised in Chicago, she finds peace knowing she does her part, speaks her truth, and takes every opportunity to be with loved ones.
Advocacy and Public Policy
Niya is also an adjunct professor at Loyola University Chicago School of Law, and she has served on the boards of Chicago Community Bond Fund and Chicago United for Equity. She tries to read at least thirty books a year, and she finds peace in her belief in a multiverse world where there is another version of the world out there.
Sam is currently pursuing a Juris Doctor with certifications in Public Interest and Corporate Compliance. He graduated from DePaul University with a Master of Public Administration (2018) and a concentration in International Public Management. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Peace, Justice, and Conflict Studies (2016). He has a professional certification from University of Chicago in Data Analytics for Business Professionals (2023).
When not pursuing this passion, M gets joy from noticing birds, power lifting, camping, and reading a variety of books including Afro-Futurism, history, and intersectional feminist philosophy.
The Law Project
For legal aid inquiries, call 1 (800) 940-1119
Outside of work, Patricia enjoys yoga, walking/hiking, being outdoors and spending time with her family. She has a 4-year-old dog named Roscoe. Even though he is no longer a puppy, he still has puppy energy!
Arturo was born in Chicago, Illinois and has lived on the Northwest side of Chicago for most of his life. Both of his parents, however, are immigrants from Mexico. Arturo has Spanish speaking abilities which has been an asset in his work. Arturo is a United States Army veteran.
Outside of work, Arturo enjoys volunteering in the community. He is currently the president of the Board of Directors of Palenque LSNA. Arturo also likes to spend time with his dog Rio whom he adopted and loves very much.
Outside of work, Alyssa loves baking and cooking. She has wanted to be an attorney since she was in kindergarten.
Before law school and throughout his undergraduate studies, he was an organizer on Political campaigns in six states ranging from congressional, senate, and presidential. Before moving to Chicago, Thomas grew up in a small town in Texas and raised goats and pigs with his family.
In October of 2016 began his employment with the Law Project of {CCH} as a Street Outreach Worker and now serves as the Law Project’s Senior Case and Street Outreach Worker.
In his role as Senior Case and Street Outreach Worker, Ali is primarily responsible for conducting outreach with individuals who are unsheltered and living on the streets, making the services offered by the Law Project accessible to individuals living on the street and also advocating against the violation of the rights of unsheltered individuals.
In serving those who are unsheltered, Ali also networks with other organizations and city agencies in order to connect unsheltered individuals with other services the Law Project may not offer.
Ali lives in Chicago, Illinois
Venus earned her master’s degree in social work in 2020 and became a licensed social worker shortly after. Throughout her educational career, Venus encountered different people and communities and realized more awareness needed to be brought to unsheltered individuals. She grew up speaking her parent’s native language of Spanish at home. She sees her bilingual abilities as allowing her to help twice as many people.
Sue holds a BA in Radio/Television/Film and Asian American Studies from Northwestern University. Outside of work, Sue enjoys reading and watching movies. She can be spotted browsing at the public library or frequenting your favorite local movie theater.
Melissa was inspired to pursue this project with CCH after working with historically harmed communities of color, including urban Native peoples in the Denver Metro area and low-income Black and Latiné communities across Chicago. She has witnessed firsthand how access to legal services and policy advocacy can be a lifeline to those most disenfranchised and set up to fail. Melissa’s multicultural Mexican-American family experienced housing insecurity after the birth of her youngest sibling with Down syndrome and his related medical bills during 2008 housing crisis. This lived experience informs her deep passion and commitment to housing justice.
Outside of work, Melissa enjoys spending time outside, yoga, reading, trying new coffee shops, and being a kitten mom with her partner.