Caring for Our Neighbors by Addressing Critical Needs

While homelessness in the U.S. increased by 18.1% in 2024, Chicago’s numbers more than tripled. This staggering increase stems from many factors, including a lack of affordable housing and the influx of asylum seekers to our city.

Addressing Chicagoans’ critical needs is a foundational commitment of the Trust. In 2024, we responded to the crisis of homelessness through two major initiatives:

• Unity Fund – Since the Great Recession, Unity Fund has raised more than $20 million for our region’s critical needs. Contributions to the Unity Fund in 2024 allowed the Trust to grant $2 million to 22 nonprofits focused on preventing homelessness and providing other critical services.
• Sustainable Solutions for Housing Stability – The Trust launched this program to support nonprofits working to increase housing stability for underserved populations such as formerly incarcerated people, at-risk youth, and asylum seekers. More than $2.3 million was granted to 26 organizations.

“General operating support from Unity Fund is a critical source to help us bridge gaps and meet the needs of the families we serve.”

Felicia Blakely
CEO
Primo Center