The Inner Voice was founded in 1984 by Rev. Robert L. Johnson. The agency initially began serving the West Side of Chicago as a drop-in center and "soup kitchen". The primary goal of the agency was to provide a respite for persons who were without food or shelter. Over the years, the agency has grown to become one of the largest providers of homeless services in the city of Chicago - assisting approximately 10,000 individuals, annually. The agency motto "A Voice for Self-Reliance" embodies the spirit of the agency founder, and serves as daily motivation to continue providing service to the community and strive to fulfill the organization's mission.

The Inner Voice supports socially and economically disadvantaged persons in their quest to obtain self-reliance and a place to call home.

(In one paragraph, please describe your current programs and services.) - - Current programs include nine Interim Housing programs, two permanent housing programs for persons with disabilities, two employment programs for veterans, three social service programs, a financial management program for social security recipients, and three rental assistance programs. Inner Voice also provides coordination and monitoring for the City of Chicago Department of Human Services Emergency Shelter Response Network through six sub-contracted sites throughout Chicago; and recently launched a Targeted Homeless Outreach and Engagement Program that will provide street outreach, case management and housing placement services to homeless individuals who do not curently receive services from the Chicago Homeless Services system.