Our Priorities
End Homelessness
We work to end homelessness by advocating for stronger, more coordinated systems that ensure people have access to stable housing.
Health Starts With Housing
Each year, it’s estimated that over 68,000 people experience homelessness in Chicagoland. Many of them are living “doubled up” – meaning they are temporarily staying with others.
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People experiencing homelessness face significant barriers to healthcare, employment, and essential resources, all of which can lead to negative health outcomes.
On a regional level, homelessness presents a pressing public health emergency, carrying potentially fatal outcomes that are preventable.
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To effectively address homelessness, it's crucial that people first understand what the problem of chronic homelessness is: the result of a broken housing system.
In Chicagoland, you must earn $32.96 per hour to afford a typical 2-bedroom apartment, more than twice the minimum wage.
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In 2022, over 76,000 people experienced homelessness in Chicagoland.
77% of those were people of color.
Our Approach
Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Without stable housing, it’s much harder to stay healthy and plan for the future.
Homelessness is a serious public health issue, leading to higher rates of physical and mental health challenges. Safe, stable housing helps people access healthcare, improves well-being, and builds stronger communities. We work to end homelessness by supporting smart housing solutions, working with public and private partners, and speaking up for policies that help prevent and end homelessness. By working together and listening to the community, we help make lasting changes so everyone has a safe place to call home.
Featured Work
Chicago Funders Together to End Homelessness (CFTEH)
CFTEH is a diverse group of funders dedicated to ending homelessness in the Chicago region. Michael Reese launched CFTEH in 2020 as our first incubation project, recognizing that it will take a collective effort to truly move the needle on homelessness. Michael Reese now serves as the fiscal sponsor of CFTEH.
Pursuing Solutions
Michael Reese Health Trust believes in taking risks to support innovative solutions that address critical health needs.
Heartland Alliance Health (HAH) exemplified this approach, providing essential healthcare services to Chicago’s homeless residents. When HAH faced the difficult prospect of closing due to financial challenges, Michael Reese stepped in to support their efforts, recognizing the complexity of addressing such a critical need.
Recently, HAH announced that its community health centers and food pantries will remain open thanks to a transformative donation from, and new partnership with, Michigan-based One Health Centers.
Let's Connect
Questions? Reach out at hello@wearemichaelreese.org