Watch | FIRSTHAND: Homeless

For more than 30 years, Yolanda has lived in and around Chicago’s Lathrop Homes, but an eviction landed her on the street. Known as “The Auntie” of Lathrop Homes, Yolanda lives in a tent only feet away from the now abandoned housing development she once called home. Without food and money, and facing the harsh reality of Chicago’s brutal cold, Yolanda's desire for housing grows increasingly urgent.

A mother of three young children, Jackie found herself in need of housing after an altercation with her family. The challenges of being an unhoused mother led her to A Safe Haven. With the organization’s help, Jackie can work part time, keep her children in school, and try to live a somewhat ‘normal life.’

Dan’s journey to homelessness started about 12 years ago after eviction from his suburban home. The streets of downtown Chicago soon became his new home, but navigating life on the streets has been challenging. Avoiding crimes against the homeless, and tackling an on-going heroin addiction are immediate concerns for Dan.

Brian walked into St. Leonard’s Ministries with the goal of leaving homelessness behind him. He’s taking advantage of his new life and repairing broken family relationships after years of couch surfing and sleeping in vehicles. Brian is making his voice heard through advocacy work with the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless. A potential job with the Chicago Transit Authority and permanent housing may be in his near future.

21-year-old Kimberly and her toddler daughter found themselves in Chicago with nowhere to go. Sleeping in shelters, hospital emergency rooms and cars weren’t safe. Knowing her mental health struggles would be intensified by homelessness, Kimberly found help with the assistance of a Chicago transitional housing organization. While she takes the steps to locate permanent housing, in her spare time, Kimberly volunteers with a non-profit to advocate for resources for homeless youth like her.