History of CCH

Founding of CCH

CCH is organized by social service providers to address increases in homelessness caused by the rapid loss of single-room occupancy (SRO) housing, beginnings of gentrification, and major cuts to federal housing programs.

Creation of Youth Committee

In response to the 1983 murder of a youth experiencing homelessness in Uptown, Chicago, CCH launches its Youth Committee. Made up of 30+ youth-serving organizations, the committee advocates for policies and resources to support unaccompanied youth.

Presidential Towers Campaign

Throughout this long, high-profile campaign, CCH wins 165 units for low-income families and 1,014 project-based Section 8 certificates in Presidential Towers—an upscale, government-subsidized West Loop complex that had been exempted from affordable units. The campaign also secured a settlement that launched the first funding for Chicago’s Low Income Housing Trust Fund.

South Loop Campaign for Development Without Displacement

Launched to preserve affordable housing in the neighborhood that housed CCH’s office at the time, the campaign created two new SRO buildings and preserved six others.

Founding of the Law Project

CCH launches its legal aid program, the Law Project, focusing on the needs of students experiencing homelessness. 

 It Takes a Home to Raise a Child Campaign

With a focus on statewide impact, this campaign created an emergency assistance program for families at risk of homelessness (1999), a rental subsidy program (2005), and new funding for the development of affordable housing (2007).

Formation of PART*

The Prostitution Alternatives Round Table (PART) acknowledged that many women engaging in the sex trade or being trafficked were experiencing homelessness. The group sought to create alternate criminal justice responses to prostitution.

Start of the Reentry Project

The Reentry Project addresses housing and job barriers for people impacted by the criminal legal system.

Creation of Speakers Bureau

Made up of grassroots leaders who have experienced homelessness, the Speakers Bureau educates community members and provides opportunities for shared advocacy.

Creation of State Network
CCH’s State Network mobilizes 30+ housing providers, homeless agencies, congregations, and Continuums of Care in 15+ suburban and downstate communities.

HomeWorks Campaign

HomeWorks advocated to create affordable housing and improve school services for families and students experiencing homelessness in Chicago.These efforts resulted in Chicago Public Schools enacting a strengthened homeless education policy as well as the creation of the Families in Transition (FIT) program.

Homelessness Data Project

CCH releases its first annual estimate of Chicago’s homeless population using a census-based methodology developed by CCH, Heartland Alliance’s Social IMPACT Research Center, and Vanderbilt University. The estimate includes people who are sheltered, unsheltered, and living doubled-up, providing a more accurate snapshot of what homelessness looks like across the country.