On October 27, the Raquel Rolnik, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Adequate Housing, met with youth from the H.E.L.L.O. Homeless Youth Activism Group, co-founded by CCH and The Night Ministry. The youth shared their stories and poetry with Ms. Rolnik before presenting their recommendations for improving access to housing and resources for children and youth in Chicago. Ms. Rolnik was moved by their struggles and made a commitment that their voices would be heard.
 
Earlier in the day, Ms. Rolnik visited a REST shelter site on the North Side were she learned about the Sweet Home Chicago housing campaign and heard testimony from other CCH leaders on the struggle for affordable housing in Chicago. Ms. Rolnik’s visit was very positive and shed much needed light on the root causes of homelessness here in Chicago.  Many thanks to REST residents and staff for their thoughtful discussion and ideas.
 
- Beth Cunningham, Youth Attorney