one by one®: All Chicago Making Homelessness History
What started with one man’s desire to help families in need has grown to become All Chicago Making Homelessness History (All Chicago), which has an expanded role to address the complex issue of homelessness. Its mission is to unite the community and resources to provide solutions that ensure and sustain the stability of a home. There are four signature approaches: emergency financial assistance, community partnerships, data analytics, and training and research. Avery Scott, annual fund and events manager, was happy to receive a one by one grant to purchase coffee mugs to thank donors.
“We were thrilled to offer the mugs as take-home items for some of our largest donors at our annual event, Breakfast with All Chicago,” Scott said. “The mugs fit with the theme and helped us to celebrate our 50th anniversary of the emergency fund.”
Signature approaches addressing homelessness
Norman H. Stone, a local businessman and philanthropist, established the emergency fund in 1973. The core idea is the same as then—that small amounts of money can make an enormous difference to someone experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness or another serious emergency. In turn, the fund can quickly provide payments on a person’s behalf for rent, utilities, bus passes and more.
All Chicago leads the citywide response to homelessness. It partners with 41 agencies and leads them through a year-round research, evaluation, strategic planning and federal-funding application process.
One example of how these approaches work together for the greater good is the story of Raelyn and her five children. After a house fire destroyed their home, she worked with a partner organization to secure housing. Then, All Chicago provided emergency funds to pay outstanding utility bills so the family could move into their new home.
Mugs for a cause are multipurpose
With the grant, Scott was able to purchase more mugs than what were needed for the breakfast. She quickly found a use for those as well. “We’ve continued to utilize the mugs for a cause throughout the year, using them as a branded marketing tool when we meet with other donors, partners and supporters,” said Scott.
A note from Cheryl
We love knowing that All Chicago works with partners and supporters to help families like Raelyn’s obtain safe and stable housing. We’re honored that the grant helped provide mugs for a cause to further that mission. If you’re interested in a one by one grant, visit onebyone.4imprint.com.