Programs

Chicago Cares: Empowering the Community to End Homelessness

At Street Samaritans, our flagship program, Chicago Cares, is more than just outreach—it’s a powerful way to engage and educate the community in the fight against homelessness. We believe that every individual has a crucial role to play in creating lasting change, and through Chicago Cares, we bring this belief to life by uniting people in our mission.Monthly, we gather passionate volunteers to collect donations, share knowledge, and connect directly with our unhoused neighbors. This hands-on involvement not only provides immediate support but also fosters a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness.

Our outreach includes:

• Living Essentials: Distributing essential items like food and hygiene products to improve daily living conditions.
• Information and Resources: Offering guidance on available services and resources, helping individuals navigate their path to stability.
• Clothing: Providing clothing to ensure comfort and protection against the elements.
• Human Connection: Building genuine relationships and offering emotional support to uplift and empower.
• Hot Meals: Serving hot, nutritious meals generously donated by Bombers BBQ to provide warmth and comfort.

Chicago Cares embodies our belief that ending homelessness is a collective effort. By engaging with our community and providing both practical support and compassionate interaction, we strive to inspire a broader movement towards a future where homelessness is no longer a reality. Join us in making a difference—because together, we can transform lives and build a stronger, more empathetic Chicago.

We invite you to join us. Learn the names and stories of your unhoused neighbors, meet a community of civic-minded individuals, and make a difference in someone’s life.

Community Care and Connection Team

The Community Care and Connection Team (CCCT) works to identify and engage unsheltered people with services to return people to housing.

The Community Care and Connection Team (CCCT) is at the heart of our mission to end homelessness by addressing the unique challenges each individual faces. Our team is dedicated to identifying and overcoming barriers to housing, while harnessing the strengths and assets of our clients to support their journey to stable, independent living. Guided by our core values of accessibility, respect, curiosity, compassion, and integrity, we provide a holistic and trauma-informed approach to care.Our vision is a community where everyone has access to the resources they need and homelessness is a distant memory. In line with this vision, CCCT offers comprehensive case management and support services designed to meet individual needs and foster long-term stability. Our services include:

• Shelter Placement: Connecting individuals with safe and immediate housing solutions.
• Housing Support: Assessing housing needs and streamlining access to available resources.
• Health Service Referrals: Ensuring access to essential medical care and health services.
• Mental Health Referrals: Providing connections to mental health support and counseling.
• Substance Use Service Referrals: Linking clients with treatment and recovery programs for substance use disorders.
• Workforce Development Referrals: Supporting job training and employment opportunities to build self-sufficiency.
• Family Reunification Services: Assisting in the process of reuniting with family members when appropriate.
• Public Benefits Enrollment: Helping clients navigate applications for benefits such as TANF, SNAP, SSI, and more.
• Assistance in Obtaining IDs and Birth Certificates: Facilitating the acquisition of important identification documents.
• Information about Available Services: Guiding clients to additional community resources.
• Distribution of Living Essentials and Clothing: Providing necessary supplies and clothing to enhance daily living.

This program launched in 2023 as a result of the support of All Chicago’s Continuum of Care.