Friends and allies of the Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness (CCH) gathered for our annual Victory Celebration held on January 8 at Grace Place in the Printer’s Row neighborhood of Chicago. While the event celebrated the strides we made together in 2025, speakers also acknowledged the challenges we are facing as a city and country.  

“I am honored to be in a room of people prepared to fight for their neighbors and fight for what is right,” Northern Illinois Community Organizer Alex Shapiro said, opening the celebration. “In this moment and always, we need the solidarity and bravery all of you have demonstrated over the past year.” 

CCH staff recognized the many partners who were instrumental in passing crucial new legislation, removing barriers for people experiencing homelessness, and increasing access to resources.  

“We are living in a world where things often feel uncertain,” said Director of State Policy, Equity, and Transformation Niya Kelly while presenting. “But having partners at this work is pivotal.” 

The celebration featured performances by Grassroots Leaders Wanda Cooper and Shay Jones, sharing original poems written through their participation in our Horizons creative writing program. CCH community organizers also celebrated the organizing and advocacy efforts of our grassroots leaders, honoring each with a commemorative lapel pin.  

For longstanding advocacy and commitment to young adults impacted by homelessness

Megan Wickman
Advocacy Director, LYTE Collective

The LYTE Collective serves young adults impacted by poverty and homelessness and is an important partner to CCH. For over a decade, Megan has worked tirelessly supporting young people, connecting them with needed resources, and removing barriers. 

For removing barriers to vital public benefits for individuals experiencing homelessness 

Heather Crone
Bureau Chief, Illinois Department of Human Services

For years, Heather has been steadfast and unwaveringly helpful in resolving issues with SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid applications for individuals experiencing homelessness. She helps cut through the bureaucracy and ensures members of our community are connected to critical benefits without delay. 

For longstanding advocacy and commitment to students and families experiencing homelessness

Barbara Duffield
Executive Director, SchoolHouse Connection

Barbara is an extraordinary national leader and tireless advocate on behalf of students experiencing homelessness. Through her work, Barbara has helped shape policies, elevate voices, and ensure that educational stability remains a priority for children and youth across the country.  

For commitment to and advocacy in solidarity with people experiencing street homelessness

Ryan Spangler
Senior Mental Health Worker, Heartland Alliance Health’s homeless outreach team

Isabella Mancini
Clinical Director, Housing Trilogy Inc

Ryan and Isabella are both social workers—relentless in their fight to connect people to housing, but also brilliant advocates, activists, and organizers for systemic change. They deeply understand the system and all the barriers that people experiencing homelessness face. They are fierce advocates, dedicating countless hours to Bring Chicago Home and other campaigns seeking to expand access to affordable housing and dignity for people experiencing homelessness. They generously share their expertise, organizing and strategic skills, ingenuity, and clear vision for a city where everyone has access to housing.

For advocacy supporting families toward stability

The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence (accepted by Maralea Negron)

CCH partnered with The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence to pass legislation that supports domestic violence survivors in applying for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). This legislation streamlines access to the ‘Family Violence Exclusion,’ which allows survivors to opt out of some of TANF’s stringent requirements, such as the 30 hour-per-week work, training, or education mandate and child support enforcement. These exceptions make it easier for survivors to escape an abusive situation and reduce risks to them and their children. The new law will ensure information about the waiver is shared with survivors, allow them to self-attest to their experience, and improve access to domestic violence support services. 

For leadership of the CCH Associate Board

Sophie Babcock
Former Associate Board President

Since December 2016, Sophie served on the CCH Associate Board, bringing a creative can-do spirit that led to the creation of some truly memorable events like a virtual variety show and annual wing eating competition. Quickly taking on a leadership role after just one year into her tenure, Sophie served for many years as an Events Co-Chair and Vice President before taking on the role of President. At the end of 2025, CCH welcomed Sophie into a new role on our Board of Directors.

For leadership in reinvigorating the homeless youth committee 

Saraya Miller
Evie Arlett
Marcellis North
Jane Shea Mennard
Milena Jeffers
Cat Smith

Saraya, Marcellis, Evie, Cat, Jane Shea, and Milena each bring passion, perspective, creativity, compassion, and joy to CCH’s Homeless Youth Committee. The committee was historically comprised of youth and young adult service providers but lacked the perspective and leadership of those closest to the problem—young people who have experienced homelessness. As individuals, each of these ‘Rising Leaders’ made unique contributions, through lived experience, direct service, or research, to shape and grow the Committee and its work. 

For advocacy opposing camping bans

Trustee Carina Santa Maria
Trustee Bill Manganaro
Trustee Wendy Dunnington

CCH, along with our coalition partners, works with local communities across Illinois to push back against anti-camping ordinances designed to fine and jail people for experiencing unsheltered homelessness. One of our biggest successes was in northwest suburban Arlington Heights where faith leaders, service providers, and concerned citizens came together to protect their most vulnerable neighbors. Together, we pushed the Village Board of Trustees, ultimately flipping the deciding vote and killing the unjust ordinance for now. This campaign would not have been possible without the allyship and support of three thoughtful Trustees: Carina Santa Maria, Bill Manganaro, and Wendy Dunnington.

For a career of committed housing advocacy 

Sue Loellbach
Director of Public Policy, Connections for the Homeless

Sue has spent her career fighting to end homelessness and protecting the rights of people experiencing homelessness in the northern suburbs. In her role at Connections for the Homeless, she has been a key member of countless local and state campaigns over the years, including a hard-fought, years-long campaign to turn the Margarita Inn into a non-congregate shelter. Facing fierce opposition, her team finally succeeded, ultimately creating a shelter that gives people experiencing homelessness the dignity of their own space as they got back on their feet.

Thank you to all who joined us at our 2025 Victory Celebration! We’re looking forward to continuing our work together in 2026.