Homeless Advocates Address Springfield - La Casa Norte

Last week, a busload of nearly 60 La Casa Norte clients, staff, and supporters traveled from Chicago to the state capital to advocate for increased housing support in Illinois.

Throughout the day, advocates representing La Casa Norte, the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, the Latino Policy Forum, and the Center for Changing Lives spoke with several key Representatives at the State Capitol.

“It was a good first time experience for me to talk to Representatives about our situation living in Solid Ground,” says Charles, 19, a resident of La Casa Norte’s Supportive Housing Program.  “I would encourage other people to go in the future because it important for them (representatives) to know what is going on with us,” he says.

Another youth client says he went to advocate for programs at La Casa Norte that provided him with housing. “If they don’t know what they are supporting they won’t do it, says Trenton.     “We came and showed our faces,” he says.  “It’s important to put a face to what they are supporting.”

“I support homeless services,” Rep. Kathleen Willis said when we met her. “I want to tell you it made a real difference to me that you came down, that I’m seeing the faces of the people impacted,” she said.

Our efforts included expressing the need to restore lost funding that serves students who are homeless. We also communicated the need for other support including emergency shelters, transitional and permanent housing, and services that assist people confronting homelessness.

“It is really important to provide funding for homeless youth in Chicago,” says Darien, 18, another client who felt he learned a lot by participating in Housing Advocacy Day.  “I learned the process of how bills are passed and how it is not that easy,” he says.

Among the leaders we spoke with also included Rep. Elgie Simms who said that is was a pleasure meeting with us.  “You are always welcome to come down and I will do my part,” he said.

La Casa Norte has participated in annual housing advocacy events since being founded in 2002.

“It is critical in a democracy that everyone has the chance to be involved in the policies and legislation that directly impacts their lives,” says Executive Director Sol Flores who leads the trips to Springfield. “For many of our clients, this is the first and only opportunity they have ever been given to do so,” she says.

“You are asking the right questions,” said Rep. Greg Harris when he met with us.  “Yes I support homeless services, since I was homeless myself once,” he said.

Sen. Martinez also commented on how homelessness is a priority for the Latino Caucus and that she supports the work of La Casa Norte.

Thank you to all of our staff, clients, and supporters that contributed to making Housing Advocacy Day a great success!