OUR WORK
United in purpose, we work to build a Chicago where everyone has access to safe, dignified, affordable housing.
OUR MISSION
To radically reimagine, align, and activate the capacity of philanthropic funders and partners to advance housing justice in the Chicago region.
OUR VISION
A future where…
Homelessness is rare, brief, and one-time
Philanthropic funders shift their power to people most impacted by homelessness
OUR NORTH STAR
A meaningful reduction in homelessness in the region by implementing comprehensive, community driven solutions that prioritize the housing continuum—from prevention to affordable housing—and center racial equity and housing justice.
WHAT WE DO
To prevent and end homelessness for all in our region, CFTEH focuses on four areas of work.
Strengthen the capacity of local housing justice advocates and organizers
Supporting advocacy and policies that make it possible for all Chicagoans to have a safe, stable place to call home.
Align public and private sector resources and strategies
Fostering collaboration between philanthropy and government to maximize our impact.
Preserve and catalyze the region’s service providers and housing partners
Recognizing that trusting and empowering those closest to the work is the best way to effect change.
Bolster and sustain the CFTEH funder community
Providing strategy support to CFTEH members and investing in the long-term sustainability of our network.
HOW WE DO IT
CFTEH works towards these outcomes in four ways:
Educate
We create opportunities for our funder partners to build their knowledge on topics related to homelessness.
Fund
We model trust-based, low-barrier grantmaking practices and develop innovative public-private partnerships.
Advocate
We use our collective voice and amplify the voices of impacted communities to call for change.
Convene
We bring funders and community partners together to dismantle silos and align funding and strategies.
OUR VALUES
Our work is guided by a set of core principles.
Lead
with racial equity and housing justice.
Focus
on the disproportionate experience of homelessness in Black and African American communities.
Center
people with lived expertise of homelessness in all decision-making.
Foster
a person-centered, ecosystem approach to ending homelessness.
OUR INITIATIVES
Learn more about our grantmaking, advocacy, partnerships, and programming.
OUR GRANTEE PARTNERS
