CCH takes a comprehensive approach to addressing systemic inequities. We work to eradicate racist systems and advocate for public policies that support fair and just outcomes for people impacted by homelessness.
In a city where Black people make up 29% of Chicago’s population yet comprise more than 75% of those living in shelters, homelessness is fundamentally a racial equity issue.
To solve homelessness, we must understand the ways in which racism and white supremacy cause and perpetuate poverty. We must address the systemic inequities that plague equitable access to safe and affordable housing for all. And we must acknowledge and dismantle racism within our workplaces and ourselves.
Racial Equity Committee
CCH formed its Racial Equity Committee (REC) in 2016. Its mission is to implement, support, and advance equity and racial justice both internally and externally to our organization. Priority areas include hiring and compensation, policymaking, staff engagement through racial caucusing, and equitable evaluation of programs and campaigns.
This work has led to, among other things, each staff member setting explicit racial equity goals annually and transforming our hiring and compensation policies.
Racial Equity Statement
CCH builds community power and advances racial equity through organizing, advocacy, legal assistance, and education to prevent and end homelessness because housing is a human right.
Community-Led Solutions
CCH’s work is rooted in the belief that the people closest to the problems are the closest to the solutions. We bring a racial equity lens to our work by striving to center the people most impacted in our advocacy. To do so, organizers develop people with lived experience as grassroots leaders who serve on decision-making bodies across our campaigns and initiatives.
An example of this work in action is the development of Bring Chicago Home (BCH), a community-driven campaign that was conceived of and designed by people directly impacted by homelessness.
Grassroots leader April Harris says she’ll never forget when Keith Freeman, a CCH organizer, invited her and 26 others to envision a better future for Chicago.
“Keith sat us down in the conference room and said ‘you all have experienced homelessness. You all know what it’s all about. So what do you think Chicago needs to do to help end it?’”
Chicago Coalition for the Homeless is now Chicago Coalition to end Homelessness (CCH).