Keys to Home: Advance Affordable Housing in Lake County

At Connections for the Homeless, we serve and catalyze our community to end homelessness, one person at a time.

Keys to Home is a FREE event that aims to bring you, your neighbors, and community leaders to learn why and how to advocate to make housing more affordable in Lake County! Everyone is welcome — no expertise required.

Our program will feature a keynote address by Jawanza Malone, Executive Director of the Wieboldt Foundation, an expert in advocacy strategies and community-led change. Jawanza will share insights on how communities can mobilize together to help meet the housing needs for all residents. Read more about Jawanza in the Lineup section below.

Event Schedule:

9:00 AM - Registration & Breakfast/Resource Fair

9:30 AM - Welcome & Keynote

10:40 AM - Breakout Sessions

11:40 AM - Next Steps

Event at a Glance:

Start your day by connecting with local organizations at our Resource Fair and enjoy a light breakfast during registration. Following the keynote, join one of our skill-building breakout sessions designed to give advocates practical tools to advance affordable housing in their communities. Wrap up with a session on next steps to take what you’ve learned and turn it into action in your own community.

Breakout Session Topics include (speakers will be announced soon):

• Understanding the Role of Housing Commissions and Affordable Housing Plans
• How Local Legislation is Passed
• Why Inclusionary Housing Ordinances Matter
• Funding Strategies for Affordable Housing
• Advocating for Anti-Displacement & Landlord/Tenant Organizing
• Grassroots Organizing 101

Co-Sponsored By:

Live Well Lake County

College Lake County

CPAH - Community Partners for Affordable Housing

Lake-McHenry Habitat for Humanity

Waukegan Township

At Connections for the Homeless, we strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. If you have questions about an accomodation, please contact Liz Nelson, Associate Director of Advocacy- Lake County at bG5lbHNvbiB8IGNvbm5lY3QyaG9tZSAhIG9yZw==.

Please note if weather conditions do not allow us to meet in person, the event will be held virtually, and you will be notified via email and phone.

Also check out other Nonprofit events in Waukegan.