HOME FUND

MAKE YOUR CHANGE COUNT

Issue: Homelessness remains a chronic problem in the City of Chicago. Homelessness effects
both families and children of all ages. The Chicago Coalition for the Homeless recently
estimated the homeless population at 82,212 Chicagoans. Only 72% are sheltered, with the
number decreasing each year. 343 are chronically homeless and cannot find shelter. In addition
570 families live in shelters and 29% of homeless individuals are under the age of 18. Chicago
Public Schools estimate that they have 18,117 homeless students. The leading causes of
homelessness are mental health problems, drugs, domestic violence, and lack of resources. Too
many homeless individuals are turned away from shelters due to lack of resources.

Proposed Action: Amend the City of Chicago Code 5-8-130 to provide that housing penalties
will go towards matching donations from Chicagoans to create a Housing Opportunities thorugh
Many Efforts Fund that will be used to provide more housing and resources, including mental
health services.

Rationale: In the last decade, cities throughout the United States have tried to address
panhandling and homelessness more than ever before, but only creating short-term solutions.
Creating the fund to allow all Chicagoans to donate and have the City match each donation will
allow more funds to go towards accessible housing and resources that can help address the
core problems of homelessness. The City of Chicago needs everyones help and every
Chicagoan should be able to make their change count by giving it directly to shelters and
resources for the homeless.

PLEASE SUPPORT THE AMENDMENT TO 5-8-130

For more information contact: Colleen McNulty, cmcnult2@kentlaw.iit.edu, 773-802-0614

For Educational Purposes Only
Submitted for Legislative Advocacy
Chicago-Kent College of Law Fall 2017