We lead the fight for economic and racial justice by litigating, shaping policy, and training and connecting people in the advocacy community.
We don’t just fight for communities affected by poverty—we work alongside them, advocating for solutions that are informed by their lived experiences.
We convene and connect advocates, community leaders, and activists across the country so they can share ideas, resources, and get the tools they need.
We build the capacity and skills of equal justice lawyers and activists to champion economic and racial justice in their fields.
From litigating and shaping policies in Illinois to training and convening multi-state networks of public interest attorneys, we work with and for the communities we serve to make equal justice and economic opportunity a reality.
For people returning home after incarceration, safe and stable housing isn’t just a basic need, it’s the foundation for rebuilding everything: work, family, community, and dignity. But in Illinois, housing remains one of the steepest and most unforgiving hurdles to reentry, and far too many face it alone.
Nearly 50 people gathered in Concord, New Hampshire for “Justice in Housing: New England,” a unique opportunity to elevate a region that’s often drowned out of the national discussion about housing.
Despite the challenging climate, our advocates are working tirelessly to win support for our legislative agenda for Illinois, which envisions a state where everyone can thrive. While it’s impossible to predict how the legislative and budget processes will play out, we’re ready to meet the moment.
June 5, 2025 – 12:00-2:30pm EST;
If you’re exhausted from fighting battles on multiple fronts — courtrooms, legislatures, and the streets — this workshop is your act of defiance.
The Shriver Center wants to build a future free from poverty and racism. Read insights from our experts and advocates about the fight for racial and economic justice.
Aysa Gray, the Shriver Center’s racial and economic justice trainer, says that in times of political backlash, advocates need to understand the roots of structural racism and learn the tools to combat it. In a recent conversation, Aysa explains how the Shriver Center’s trainings meet the moment.
On the day we commemorate Dr. King’s life and legacy, we rarely confront and discuss his most stinging criticism of America’s grossest injustice: how could a country of such great wealth have so many of its citizens trapped in vicious cycles of poverty?
As the season of gratitude begins, we’re reminded of the strength and importance of our amazing community of leaders, advocates, grassroots activists, and beyond. Erin Dowland Kabwe, the Shriver Center’s vice president of development, profiles the Community Memorial Foundation, a critical partner that funds necessary work in the pursuit of health and racial equity.
Stephani Becker, the assistant director of health justice for the Shriver Center, recently spoke about the significance of the exchange and our continued efforts to expand health care to everyone in Illinois.
If you’re a lawyer, paralegal, or a policy maker, there are many ways you can participate and contribute to our work.
With your help, we can build a better, more compassionate world. Join us.
67 East Madison Street, Suite 2000
Chicago, IL 60603
phone: 312.263.3830
Right now, it’s critical that we come together to defend the social safety net and save our democracy. Together, let’s ensure that everyone can access quality health care, feed their families, and find affordable housing. Every voice and every action counts.
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