Policy & Budget Advocacy

Our State Network mobilizes a table of 30+ housing providers, homeless agencies, and Continuums of Care in suburban and downstate communities. Together, we advocate for adequate funding for homelessness line-items in the Illinois state budget and press for continued expansion of and improvements to Illinois’ Homelessness Prevention Program. CCH co-chairs the Responsible Budget Coalition, which advocates for adequate and fairly raised revenue and fights against cuts to vital programs and human services.

We also work to enact an annual legislative agenda that advances statewide policy solutions for housing, education, public benefits, reentry, and other issues relevant to people experiencing homelessness. CCH organizers train people with lived experience as grassroots leaders to develop and advance our policy agenda. Leaders attend lobby days in Springfield, speak with elected officials, and testify in committee meetings. We engage coalition members and the public to take action in support of our agenda by submitting witness slips and contacting their legislators.

CCH staff and grassroots leaders advocate at City Hall and with government agencies to ensure adequate funding and services to address homelessness across Chicago.

This includes advocacy to secure a dedicated revenue stream to fund permanent housing and supportive services through the Bring Chicago Home campaign, efforts to reinstate the Youth Line of Action to Chicago’s Continuum of Care implementation structure, and work to expand housing units for people living doubled-up.

We also conduct an annual estimate of Chicagoans experiencing homelessness, which is frequently cited by housing organizations, elected officials, and local and national news media.