Since our founding in 1985, CAFHA has created meaningful and lasting change in the pursuit of housing justice.

WHO WE ARE

CAFHA is a membership-based nonprofit, fair housing organization serving the Chicago Region. As a leader in fair housing advocacy, CAFHA supports organizing efforts that stem from grassroots leadership and focus on promoting racial, social and economic justice in housing. Since our founding in 1985, we have been at the forefront of advancing fair housing rights through innovative research, effective policy advocacy, and strong coalition-building.

MISSION

CAFHA advances fair housing justice in the Chicago region through policy advocacy, collaborative action, and education.

VISION

CAFHA envisions a Chicago region with affordable, accessible, and dignified housing options. By developing a just housing system, we will address the legacy of harms caused by systemic racism in the housing market and build thriving, well-resourced communities for all people.

HISTORY

CAFHA’s work is rooted in the Civil Rights Movement, and in particular, the Fair Housing Act of 1968, built upon decades of grassroots organizing, legal advocacy, and widespread social upheaval and resistance to racial oppression. CAFHA fights to uphold fair housing laws in the Chicago region and increase access to dignified housing options by working to preserve and expand housing protections.

Artwork: William Estrada, created for the 2022 HCP x CAFHA Fair Housing Justice Summit.

The challenge is in the moment, the time is always now."

- James Baldwin

PILLARS OF WORK

At CAFHA, its not just the outcomes of our work that important to us, its how we get there. Our pillars are the foundation to the change we ultimately seek. By employing strategies that support grassroots organizing efforts, strengthen connections, and expand awareness of housing rights, CAFHA activates powerful coalitions to address systemic housing injustices.

CENTERING LIVED EXPERIENCE

Cultivating leadership that reflects the important perspectives and expertise of people with lived experience. Those most impacted by housing instability and discrimination are best equipped to drive solutions.

BUILDING CONNECTIONS

Bringing together community leaders and organizational partners tocreate strong regional connections and collaboration to identify fair housing issues and solutions.

ORGANIZING FOR CHANGE

Building powerful coalitions to advance housing justice by supporting policy changes and solutions that lead to more inclusive, well-resourced communities, free from discrimination.

EQUIPPING INDIVIDUALS AND COMMUNITIES

Providing training on housing rights and responsibilities to raise awareness of existing laws; and monitoring and supporting the enforcement of fair housing protections.