Public Education & Organizing
Our members make us powerful.
We build awareness and activate change by sharing information and real-life stories with policymakers, nonprofit service providers, and the media. We keep our members and allies informed about the latest developments in housing policy, organize issue-specific working groups, meet with legislators, take the pulse of communities during our outreach caravan, and host an annual Housing Matters Conference where advocates and practitioners share their knowledge and expertise.
Our Priority Issues
Housing Action Illinois works to educate and organize around a broad range of issues aligned with our core mission of creating an Illinois where everyone has a good, affordable place to call home. Our primary issues include:
Louder Together: Multi-Sector Partnerships
To truly change our affordable housing ecosystem for the better, we need to bring together not just housing advocates but also people, organizations, and interest groups from beyond the housing field. This is why Housing Action Illinois has joined the national Opportunity Starts at Home campaign, a project of our allies at the National Low Income Housing Coalition, and why we are working with advocates in pediatric health care, refugee resettlement, and the disability rights sector to raise up affordable housing as an issue that matters to all of us.
Annual Conference
During our annual conference, we build the expertise, experience, and capacity to make our communities better.
Caravan
We visit with members, host regional gatherings, and take the pulse of housing issues in rural, suburban, and urban Illinois.
Publications
Housing Action Illinois publishes research and analysis on issues related to affordable housing, as well as educational materials.
Latest News
Ask Senator Kirk to Support $301 Million Increase for HUD’s Homeless Assistance Programs
The President has proposed that Congress provide $2.406 billion in fiscal year (FY) 2015 for HUD’s McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grants—a $301 million, or 14%, increase over the final FY 2014 funding level. Now, it’s up to us to ensure Congress follows through on...
Report: Affordable Rental Housing Still Elusive For Lowest Income Americans
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 25, 2014 CONTACT: Bob Palmer, Policy Director, Housing Action Illinois, 312-282-3959 (cell) or bob@housingactionil.org Report: Affordable Rental Housing Still Elusive For Lowest Income Americans According to Housing Spotlight: The...
Illinois General Assembly Session Wrap-Up
The Illinois General Assembly wrapped up its spring session on May 31. Here's a summary of the state budget and legislative work as it impacts efforts to create affordable housing and end homelessness. State Budget Despite small increases for some line items, the...