Flexible Housing Pool
Chicago's Flexible Housing Pool will break the cycle of chronic homelessness and crises for many of the city's most vulnerable residents.
Learn MoreOur Approach
Housing First
Housing first is a philosophy that links people experiencing homelessness to safe and affordable permanent housing quickly and with minimal barriers, so people can start their journey to a healthier life sooner.
IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT
People facing homelessness are identified and assessed for housing and supportive services in an accessible, equitable and transparent manner. Sobriety or adherence to mental health treatment are not requirements for the programs.
HOUSING LOCATION
Efforts are made to help people experiencing homelessness move into permanent housing as quickly as possible, streamlining application and approval processes, and reducing wait times.
ONGOING CASE MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES
Supportive services are offered to maximize housing stability and prevent returns to homelessness, as opposed to addressing predetermined treatment goals prior to permanent housing entry. Many people experience stability and improvements in quality of life, in the areas of health, mental health, substance use, and employment, as a result of achieving housing.
COMMITMENT TO RACIAL JUSTICE
“One of the hallmarks of White Supremacy is fixing the problem and trying to directly come to a solution rather than sit with the discomfort. Rather than taking the time to really do things right and allow for different levels of work.” When asked about his experience in developing the Center for Housing and Health (CHH) and AIDS Foundation Chicago’s (AFC) Racial Equity Action Plan (REAP), Peter Toepfer, the Executive Director, opened up about the amount of patience and collaboration that was required to produce such an ambitious, but necessary plan for the future of the organization. The plan is a tool for improving and creating more equitable culture and processes at CHH and AFC (CHH is a subsidiary of AFC). As an organization that tackles issues contributing to homelessness and health inequities in Chicagoland, it is impossible for CHH to ignore the intersectionality between these challenges and racial equity. However, REAP is not aiming to be the sole solution for cultural competency within this organization. Peter Toepfer understands that more work is ahead, and that feedback from community stakeholders is encouraged to improve future initiatives.
Programs
North Side Landlord Recruitment Initiative
The North Side Landlord Recruitment Initiative (NSLRI) is an outreach project to expand rental subsidy portfolios in the Chicago’s North Side communities. This includes a landlord-centered engagement and education campaign; Aldermanic and community organization engagement; and sharing of portfolios and introductions across partnered organizations. Learn More
Permanent Supportive Housing
Through our partnerships with permanent supportive housing organizations across the Chicago metropolitan area, we coordinate and refer clients who are experiencing homelessness to case management services and permanent housing solutions. Learn More
Direct Client Services
We have staff on-site who work with clients directly to provide in-home behavioral health support that fill gaps in care, and staff who help clients navigate social security benefits applications to provide them with the best chances of winning their case. Learn More