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Chicago Coalition for the Homeless
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July 18, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
I have been working with Hannah Willage and the CCH Speakers Bureau for several years. As a staff person for the Civic Education Project at Northwestern University, I help coordinate service-learning, urban immersion programs ranging from one to three weeks long for students in grades 7 through 12; we have partnered with CCH to provide our students the opportunity to hear and become inspired by the personal stories and the many perspectives of the speakers involved in the program. Time and time again, our students have written about how the speakers deeply impacted their understanding of homelessness and humanity. The experience has proven to be very significant to their motivation to make a change in the world.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
The feedback from our students. They consistently rate the the Coalition Speakers Bureau panel as a very valuable learning experience; meeting and hearing the stories of people who have experienced homelessness open their eyes.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
NA
May 24, 2011
I have served on the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless Associate Board for the past couple of years. The Associate Board works to raise money for CCH and supports CCH as a source of volunteers for larger events. The most impressive aspect of my experience with CCH is the dedication of its staff and volunteers to the organization and their continued willingness to give up their time and effort to fight for the cause. In a way any supporter of CCH has it easy since fighting homelessness is not a controversial stance but like everything in life there is another side to the equation. The other side of the equation is that the problem is so enormous that it can be overwhelming, especially when there are strong political and economic forces working against you. In my time working with CCH, the continued resolve in the face of adversity and the consistent results that are produced by this organization have been truly inspiring.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
my experience hearing speaches from the CCH "Leaders," which include homeless and formerly homeless individuals who speak out in support of CCH and on behalf of ending homelessness and in my experience at volunteer events seeing the dedication of staff and volunteers and the difference this organization has made in the two years I've been affiliated with it.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
encourage more participation in efforts like the Sweet Home Chicago Coalition that fought for the use of TIF funds for affordable housing and saw success in getting a new city ordinance passed in Chicago that provides a real opportunity for new affordable housing in the city.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
December 18, 2009
I work with the Coalition as part of the Associate Board. I never fail to be impressed and amazed with all the different things the coalition does and how dedicated everyone is to the cause. CCH doesn't take government funding and channels every penny that comes in towards fighting for an end to homelessness.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
getting the chance to interact with the volunteers who are formerly homeless and now spend their time not only helping in the fight to end homelessness but also inspiring anyone who works with them.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
May 19, 2011
I had the pleasure of working for Chicago Coalition for the Homeless while in graduate school. The passion of the staff for their work alongside of and on behalf of the homeless people of Chicago is inspiring. They focus on creative and policy solutions to the problems affecting individuals facing a barrier of multitudes to housing, employment and self sufficiency. As I begin my career in the nonprofit sector I am constantly looking to CCH as a model organization.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
seeing how individuals are empowered and given the tools to break the cycle of poverty while inspiring themselves and their children.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
give them the funds to grow! It would be great to see them make an even bigger impact here in Chicago.
April 3, 2011
I am a student at Loyola University Chicago, and I first learned of the Coalition as a first year student when they sent two formerly homeless individuals to speak during an Urban Immersion retreat I was attending. I was deeply struck by the stories of these individuals. I heard similar stories during my third year at Loyola at a campus speakers' bureau sponsored by the Coalition, and that event drove me to join the Loyola Coalition for the Homeless as a student activist. We work directly with the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless as a sort of student branch, and the Coalition has given us training in community organizing and encourages our efforts to attend City Council meetings, call and meet with local aldermen, and visit shelters to collect letters of support for the Sweet Home Chicago measure. I have learned so much about political activism and getting involved in democracy. I have also had an incredible experience meeting formerly and currently homeless individuals. Employees of the Coalition have been nothing short of generous and kind to me and other students.
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
an improvement of my organization skills, knowledge of how to enact change within the framework of Chicago politics, and understanding of the problem of homelessness in the city.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
formalize relationships with student branches and increase student branches at Chicago colleges and universities.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Some
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
April 1, 2011
I learned a great deal about homelessness from CCH. My preception on the issue of homelessness are completey different. What they do for their communities is very inspirational and brings joy to the lives of many people. I enjoy volunteering at CCH because I learn new things every time. The people that work for this organization are dedicated 100% to their work and it encourages me to become more involved.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I've met with people that have told me their personal stories about how CCH has helped them get out of poverty.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
reach out to as many reps as around the state as possible
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
I've gained public speaking skills from CCH that has helped me in other aspects of my life.
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
It feels great to know that the time I invest in CCH will eventually benefit others in a very positive way.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
April 1, 2011
The CCH is a special program because it is an agency that unbuttons its sleeves, gets its hands dirty, and does whatever it takes to effect the perniciousness of homelessness. CCH is a program that also directly involves the voices and experiences of those affected by homelessness and the lack of affordable housing to actually DO something to effect change. CCH organizes and does advocacy work in rich and poor communities and uses its resources effectively.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Impacting community discussions around affordable housing, community investment, etc.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
contribute towards its finding or building a permanent home for its operations.
March 31, 2011
I am a teacher at Tilden High School, and had the opportunity to work with Hannah Willage this February. She and her co-workers did an excellent job working with my students to help them earn service learning hours while they learned about homelessness. Hannah made many trips to our school, where seh presented a well -thought out Power Point presentation, supplied students with handouts of important information, and helped the students write letters for their aldermen. My students particularly enjoyed meeting with former homeless people who came with her as guest speakers. She accompanied us on our field trip to City Hall, even riding in our bus! She worked with a smaller group of students to help them have the chance to meet with the aldermen, as well. Her work, and that of her co-workers, was above and beyond what I expected. It was a pleasure working with her and I plan to do so again in the future.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
My students enjoyed learning about the homeless and discovering ways they can become active in politics to help others.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
None.
March 7, 2011
I am a Chicago Public School teacher and have worked with the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless for the last two years. My sophomore law class at Mather High School have, with the support of Hannah Willage, been able to experience the issues of homlessness and use their knowledge to form activist positions.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I saw my students grow more confidence, develop a concern for those less fortuante and being to understand what community activism is all about.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
none
March 3, 2011
CCH facilitated a Community Organizing Training for a group of our student leaders in January that was both eye-opening, informative, and inspirational. I truly appreciated that a number of their staff shared in the facilitation, bringing with them a diverse wealth of experiences, perspectives, and practical skills. Thank you CCH!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Witnessing the passion and intentionality with which they form their community leaders.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Explore a way to include elementary youth and their families.
December 23, 2009
I worked with CCH as a summer intern with Development. I assisted in the development of CCH's first casino night fundraiser, Decks and the City and the Annual Golf Outing. I also witnessed and participated in city campaigns dealing with state tax, education, and development policies that aided the homeless. Many people working at CCH experienced homelessness firsthand in their lives so they were able to provide their insights in order to help.
More feedback...
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
varied. People from different ages, genders, ethnicities, and socio-economic backgrounds worked and volunteered with this organization. People were generally sensitive and open to other people's opinions but also willing to challenge when necessary.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009