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.
The Shriver Center’s Hana Urban spoke to Stephanie Altman, director of healthcare justice and senior director of policy, to discuss what cuts to Medicaid could mean for Illinois and lessons from the first Trump administration.
Proposed budget cuts threaten fair housing enforcement, putting millions at risk of discrimination and instability. By slashing funding for frontline organizations and gutting HUD’s enforcement capacity, these changes would make it nearly impossible to hold bad actors accountable. At the Shriver Center, we’re fighting back — through legal advocacy, state-level solutions, and coalition efforts to protect people’s rights to safe, stable housing.
The Shriver Center on Poverty Law is taking action in the face of unprecedented threats to democracy and the social safety net. Our 2025 legislative agenda bolsters the anti-poverty programs and benefits residents rely on. From providing cash assistance to struggling families and increasing worker protections, to removing barriers to housing; our proposed legislation creates a fairer state where everyone can thrive.
Despite threats at the federal level to cut essential anti-poverty programs, our mission to advance economic and racial justice remains steadfast. In our 2025 legislative plan for Illinois, we continue to build on decades of success in Springfield. Read our full list of proposed bills that help create a state where everyone can thrive.
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
✔️ Find out about our anti-poverty advocacy
✔️ Read exclusive analyses of the politics shaping the fight for economic and racial justice
✔️ Learn about how our racial justice trainings can help you meet the moment
