Reservations for this event are no longer available.

You are invited to the kickoff event for FIRSTHAND: Homeless, a year-long WTTW initiative that will reveal the many faces of homelessness in Chicago – both visible and hidden – and pull back the curtain on its varied and complicated causes.

During this intimate in-person event at the WTTW Studios, FIRSTHAND: Homeless executive director Dan Protess will moderate a discussion with producer/director Mario Tharpe; Nicole Bahena, FIRSTHAND Talks presenter and Vice President of Community Partnerships at All Chicago; along with FIRSTHAND documentary participants Jackie and Yolanda.

FIRSTHAND: Homeless is the newest addition to the award-winning FIRSTHAND multiplatform, multi-year initiative focusing on the firsthand perspectives of people facing critical issues in Chicago. Visit the website on February 19 to explore the project.

WTTW is proud to partner with All Chicago, Chicago Public Library, and The Night Ministry throughout 2024 on journalism and community engagement initiatives related to FIRSTHAND: Homeless.

Lead support for FIRSTHAND: HOMELESS is provided by Ann and Rich Carr.

Major support is provided by The Knight Family Foundation. Additional support is provided by the Edwardson Family Foundation; Joel M. Friedman, President, Alvin H. Baum Family Fund; Denny and Sandy Cummings; the Marc and Jeanne Malnati Family Foundation; Alexandra C. Nichols; and Peter and Alicia Pond. (as of January 10, 2024).