ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The following are highlights of some of the Alliance's accomplishments in 2007.
Linking to the Frontlines of Homelessness
Two new commissions, the Service Providers Commission and the Consumers Commission,
were created as key advisory bodies for the Alliance. The Commissions' key functions include: providing a unified
voice for the mission and vision of ending homelessness; undertaking advocacy around ending homelessness; being
involved in developing and implementing strategies to end homelessness; and contributing expertise and advice.
New Research
An Evaluation and Research Advisory Committee comprised of local researchers as well as service
providers and consumers was created to bring the rigor and weight of solid research to bear on ending homelessness.
A groundbreaking study, Homeless Over 50: The Graying of Chicago's Homeless Population was conducted
with Loyola University's Center for Urban Research and Learning (CURL) to understand this emerging issue. A conference
on the study is being planned to discuss the findings and brainstorm solutions.
A new framework for evaluating Chicago's Plan to End Homelessness was developed by the Alliance's Evaluation and
Research Advisory Committee and presented to Grantmakers Concerned with Ending Homelessness and to key officials with
the City of Chicago.
Major Funding for Homelessness
The Illinois Homeless Prevention Funds application was submitted, securing $3.3 million in targeted funds to
prevent homelessness in Chicago.
The 2007 HUD SuperNOFA application for Chicago was completed and submitted,
requesting $50.1 million for more than 130 homeless programs.
The 2008 HUD SuperNOFA process has been launched.
Advocacy
State Budget:
A 6% increase in the Emergency Food and Shelter Grant was secured through meetings with key legislators,
lobbying, letter writing and phone calling.
City of Chicago:
The Alliance worked successfully with the Chicago Department of Human Services to change its monitoring in key areas,
easing documentation and after care requirements that were particularly challenging for agencies.
Federal:
An increase in McKinney Homeless Assistance Grants was secured in the FY 2007 budget.
Work began with legislative staff on increases in 2008 appropriations for HUD Homeless Assistance Grants, Runaway and
Homeless Youth Act, and Grants for the Benefit of Homeless Individuals.
Senator Richard Durbin's support was secured as an original cosponsor of the Senate legislation to reauthorize the
McKinney-Vento Act.
U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky's commitment was secured to pursue an earmark for the Alliance's Demonstration Project on
Housing Chronically Homeless Families.
An Advocacy Plan was developed and approved by the Alliance's new Advocacy Committee and the Alliance Board of Directors
Troubleshooting System Issues
A new "turn-away" survey was developed in response to concerns that emergency shelters are turning people away due to lack of
space. With the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless and the Chicago Department of Human Services, the Alliance developed the
instrument, conducted a benchmark survey, and will re-administer the survey every quarter. Results will pinpoint where the
system's capacity needs to change.
To address serious questions about the transportation system that is supposed to transport people needing emergency shelter,
the Alliance is researching best practices and working with the Chicago Department of Human Services to envision a better system.
PR and Visibility
An unprecedented status report on Chicago's Plan to End Homelessness, The Journey Home, was completed
and is being distributed to media and other interested stakeholders.
The Taproot Foundation selected the Alliance for a service grant that will team the Alliance with experts in messaging and branding.
The Boeing Corporation selected the Alliance to be one of the first presenters for its new "Lunch and Learn" program,
educating Boeing employees about the work that Boeing supports.
The Alliance was featured at Mayor Daley's press conference in August to release the results of the 2007 Point in Time
homeless count, showing a decrease in the number of people who were homeless from 2005.
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