“Skinny” Budget Proposal Could Cut Major Funding
On Friday, May 2nd the Trump Administration released a “skinny” budget request that will cut United States Department of Housing and Development (HUD) spending by 44%. HUD funding is critical to Sarah’s Circle’s success in ending homelessness for women. This budget request affects key HUD resources such as rental assistance, building and preserving affordable housing, public housing for seniors and people with disabilities, enforcement of fair housing and more. Sarah’s Circle has served Chicago’s most vulnerable women for 46 years and we remain committed to doing so. If you are as concerned about the impact on women experiencing homelessness and the programs…
Associates Board Leadership Transition
As we step into a new season at Sarah’s Circle, we are filled with gratitude for the leadership that has guided our Associates Board and excitement for the next chapter ahead. After four incredible years as President of the Associates Board, Tessa Banks is stepping down from her role. Tessa’s leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment to Sarah’s Circle have left a lasting impact—not only on the women we serve, but also on every member of the Associates Board. Reflecting on her time as President, Tessa shared: “It’s hard to find the right words to capture what the last four years…
Update on Federal Grant and Loan Pause
Earlier this week, the White House directed the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to temporarily halt federal agencies from obligating or disbursing grants, loans, and financial assistance. This wide-ranging directive jeopardized critical funding for rental assistance, the preservation of affordable housing, public housing for seniors and people with disabilities, enforcement of fair housing and civil rights laws, disaster relief, and more. Thanks to swift and widespread advocacy, this harmful directive has now been rescinded. The systems that allow federal grantees to access funds are back online, and HUD technical assistance has resumed. However, the confusion and disruption caused by…
You can help us expand our Permanent Supportive Housing program and ensure more women have safe, stable homes
Celebrate Giving Season by Supporting Sarah’s Circle
For over 40 years, Sarah’s Circle has been dedicated to ending homelessness for women in Chicago. We know this work takes time and persistence, but we’re in it for the long haul—committed to ensuring that every woman has a safe, permanent place to call home. At the heart of our work is Permanent Supportive Housing. This is more than just a solution to homelessness; it’s a lifeline. By combining stable, affordable housing with vital services like case management, workshops, and access to resources, Permanent Supportive Housing gives women the tools they need to heal, rebuild, and thrive. This year, we…
June is Pride Month, and Sarah’s Circle is proud to stand with and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community while also acknowledging the hardships these individuals face. Members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ+) community often face discrimination in many areas of their lives, and housing is no exception. Compared to non-LGBTQ+ people, this group has higher rates of poverty, lower rates of homeownership, and higher rates of homelessness. (Williams Institute, UCLA) These individuals also face an array of stigma that undermines their ability to have stable, safe, and affordable housing. Within shelter systems, many transgender individuals have been…
