A Statement on Behalf of the Chicago House Board of Trustees

The murder of George Floyd, and the pain, suffering, and trauma that has followed, has prompted a long-overdue and necessary dialogue around systemic racism – and the individuals and institutions that have enabled it to persist. From this dialogue comes a commitment – a commitment to listen and to be better.

From the beginning, our agency has stood behind the most marginalized communities. We are proud of a 35-year legacy of advocacy, service and driving change, while also saddened and humbled by the urgency and depth of change that remains. We stand ready to intensify our commitment to end systemic racism and its impact on those we serve, not just through our ongoing work, but with an immediate plan of action.

Chicago House currently has three vacant Board positions. In FY 2021 (July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021) and the Board of Trustees commit to filling these three seats with Black and Latinx Chicagoans. We, as an organization, simply must commit to ensuring that our governing body is reflective of the communities we serve. Furthermore, we appreciate that we cannot recognize the full potential of our work without Black and Latinx voices at the table.

The time has come for change, and we are listening.

I am excited for the future of Chicago House, and I am proud to serve alongside the agency’s leadership – past, present, and future.

Ryan T. Garrison

Chair, Board of Trustees