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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'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.

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.

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.

The first 10 days of the Trump administration have seen a swift and unprecedented assault on our government, our democracy, and our most vulnerable people. We asked a few of our advocates to share their thoughts on the latest developments and the effect they're having on marginalized communities.

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?

This is a critical moment in the fight for a more equitable future, with opportunity for all. We spoke with Vice President of Development Erin Dowland Kabwe about what inspires her to do the work and how donors fuel our mission.

The Shriver Center is proud to announce it will share office space with coalition partners Women Employed. Starting in December, the staff of Women Employed (WE) will join us at 67 East Madison Street, Suite 2000, in downtown Chicago. The move allows both organizations to spend less on overhead costs and invest more in programmatic work.

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.