Letters From HOME is a newsletter written entirely by homeless and formerly homeless people. It contains articles, stories, poems, and jokes, and is sent to our 500-person mailing list of churches, businesses, colleges, etc. They were brought together by The Illinois Coalition to End Homelessness. Since that time the homeless people of Chicago have gone each year to Springfield to lobby against negative legislation while promoting positive legislation. In addition, we organized a conference of shelter providers and clients on neutral ground.
HOME is a grassroots membership organization run by and for homeless and fomerly homeless people.
Through public education, organizing, and advocacy efforts, HOME seeks changes in local, state, and federal policies to support homeless people moving out of poverty. HOME also provides limited direct services to homeless Chicagoians. It is staffed by personnel and volunteers. It produces a street newspaper, Center Talk. It has recreation, medical services, substance abuse recovery peer groups, a Women's Group, and a Job Club.