EVENT SPONSORSHIP Lawyers Committee for Better Housing Affordable. Stable. Healthy. Chicago
WHO IS LCBH? MISSION To provide free legal and supportive services for lower-income renters while advocating for the rights of all renters until everyone in Chicago has a safe, decent, and affordable place to call home. Lawyers Committee for Better Housing is the only nonprofit legal aid organization in Chicago that focuses solely on low and moderate income renters in the private housing market, empowering renters to fight substandard living conditions and defend against eviction. LCBH provides free comprehensive legal services that help hundreds of families in court each year, and helps thousands more outside of court. Since 2008, LCBH has responded to the foreclosure crisis by educating and upholding renters rights throughout the foreclosure process; working on legislative efforts to increase protections for renters; and compiling extensive reports on foreclosure in Chicago. Through these efforts, LCBH helps a wide variety of stakeholders understand that more renters in Chicago are being displaced by foreclosure than are homeowners and provide Chicago renters facing eviction due to foreclosure with information about the foreclosure process, and legal representation. In addition, LCBH provides supportive services for clients, offering holistic solutions that go beyond the short-term housing crisis, empowering renters to move from a path that was leading towards homelessness to one with affordable, stable housing. For more than three decades, LCBH has fought tirelessly for the rights of people to live in safe, decent, and affordable housing, promoting equal access to the courts for those whose voice are not heard without an advocate by their side. Your commitment and investment is critical in furthering LCBH s work and makes a direct and immediate impact on our Chicago communities and families. In 2013, LCBH proved approximately 473 tenant families with litigation services, brief services and or representation to 1,109 tenants and over 2,500 referrals. Your support enables LCBH to continue to help families move from a path that leads to potential homelessness to one of safe and stable housing.
WHAT IS LCBH S IMPAC T to ensure everyone has a safe and decent place to call home. LCBH ADVOCATES FOR EQUAL ACCESS TO THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM. The vast majority of tenants go to eviction court without an attorney, and are often swiftly evicted from their home. LCBH provides eviction defense for hundreds of families every year. Having an advocate in court makes all the difference in the world. In 2013, LCBH recovered more than $1,000,000 in waived rent and damages for its clients. LCBH PRESERVES THE VITALITY AND AFFORDABILITY OF CHICAGO S NEIGHBORHOODS. Each year, LCBH staff works with renters and community groups, seeking to preserve and improve hundreds of rental units that have been affected by deterioration and foreclosure, working to make them viable and affordable homes for current and future Chicago renters. LCBH CONNECTS RENTERS WITH LASTING SOLUTIONS TO PROMOTE HOUSING STABILITY. LCBH s supportive services team regularly help the most vulnerable clients locate alternative affordable housing, apply for emergency funding or other benefits, and provide links to other essential services. LCBH PROVIDES A TRUSTED ADVOCATE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE COURTROOM. LCBH assists hundreds of renters with pre-litigation housing disputes, providing valuable information that enables renters to resolve issues without going to court. LCBH PROTECTS RENTER LIVING IN FORECLOSED BUILDINGS. Foreclosure impacts nearly 1 in 10 Chicago area rental units, yet renters facing eviction or other serious housing issues due to foreclosure are often unaware of their rights or where to turn for help. LCBH counsels hundreds of renters facing foreclosure every year and educates key stakeholders including attorneys, community advocates, and tenants on renters rights and responsibilities during foreclosure.
HELPING A FAMILY IN CRISIS Lawyers Committee for Better Housing (LCBH) teamed up with the John Marshall Law School s Pro Bono Program and Heartland Alliance to help a family in crisis get a fresh start. The Ali family had recently fled Syria during the civil war and escaped to the US where they hoped to establish a new life. They moved into an apartment building that had a bedbug infestation, and soon their small children suffered from bed bug bites that required ongoing medical attention. To make matters worse, the landlord refused to treat the infestation and had threatened the family suggesting he could interfere with their application for asylum. The family did not speak much English and they were at a loss about how to best to protect themselves. Without steady income and paying for mounting extermination and medical cost, soon the Ali family found themselves in eviction court. For any family, facing a legal system can be very intimidating and foreign, even to those who have lived their entire lives here in America. Fortunately, LCBH was able to assist the Ali family. An LCBH staff attorney worked in tandem with the John Marshall Law School (JMLS) clinic and Heartland Alliance to address the family's housing problems. LCBH provided crucial legal assistance during a time of housing crisis for the Ali family. The Ali family, like many refugees, needed more time to learn English, find stable employment, and achieve independence. The rental subsidy for refugees in Chicago is very short, around 3 months, thus many families unfortunately face eviction. LCBH helps us ensure that that these individuals have fair housing options in the future, and are not weighed down by debt and poor credit as they start their new lives in America, stated Ryan Spangler, Housing Coordinator from Heartland Alliance who works with refugees and immigrants. Heartland Alliance was able to help the Ali family find new housing and cover their moving costs. Two JMLS students (including one who was fluent in Arabic and could talk to the family in their native language) worked to negotiate a settlement on behalf of the clients. Ultimately, the case was dismissed and the claim for back rent was dropped. The students were able to negotiate sealing of the court records so the eviction filing would not negatively affect the family's credit or ability to find new housing in the future. Thanks to the great efforts of LCBH s staff, pro bono volunteers, and community partners, the Ali family will finally have a stable place to call home.
LCBH REPORTS ON YOUR INVESTMENT Each year, Lawyers' Committee for Better Housing produces a comprehensive Annual Report on our activities throughout the preceding year. This report includes program highlights, events, and a brief financial report to share with funders, sponsors, and corporations the progress and success of their contributions. We will also provide you with a Year End Dashboard giving an overview of each program throughout the year so you can see how your contributions help advance our mission throughout the year. Join our list of LCBH Funders and Sponsors! Albert J. Pick, Jr. Fund Chicago Bar Foundation The Chicago Community Trust City of Chicago Department of Community Development City of Chicago Department of Family and Support Services Fourth Presbyterian Church John R. Houlsby Foundation Kirkland & Ellis Foundation Illinois Bar Foundation Lawyers Trust Fund Northern Trust Charitable Trust Pierce Family Charitable Foundation Polk Bros Foundation Public Interest Law Initiative St. Peter's Church in the Loop United Way of Metropolitan Chicago Kirkland & Ellis LLP Sidley Austin Brinks, Gilson & Lione Jones Day Banner & Witcoff Ltd. Deloitte Sharon L. King Foundation Louis DiSanto McGuireWoods LLC Todd & Susan Maynes Claire & Scott Battle Steven Clemens Kelley Drye & Warren LLP Mark Filip Foran Glennon PC DLA Piper Hoeppner, Wagner & Evans Karen Grotberg Geoffrey Cockrell Nancy Anderson & Edward Malstrom Trilogy Real Estate Group Cohn Financial Group The Hopp Family John R. Storino Jenner & Block Vincent Gnoffo Klint Bruno Jessica Panza Thomas Law Lowis & Gellen LLP PCC Community Wellness Center
MAKE A DIFFERENCE and have fun doing it. IT S A WIN-WIN. Supporting Lawyers Committee for Better Housing provides you the unique opportunity to connect with Chicago s legal aid community, likeminded professionals, build awareness and show support for an important cause: justice! There are a variety of LCBH sponsorship levels and volunteer options to promote your firm and get involved in pro bono efforts to improve our community. Based on your selected level of sponsorship you are entitled to event tickets, recognition on event related and marketing materials, recognition in the annual report, on the website, and event signage and program. WE LL FIND THE RIGHT FIT. Looking for the opportunity to become part of one of the biggest events of the year? Want to show your employees and investors your dedication to our community? Consider a sponsorship for HEARTS FOR HOUSING. IN-KIND GIFTS are so appreciated. LCBH has created a wish list of goods and or services that would greatly benefit our organizational needs to ensure everyone has a safe and decent place to call home! Examples of In-Kind Gifts Books ( Sullivan's, Civil Procedure, etc.),office equipment (printers, copiers), Office furniture (desk, chairs, etc.), Catering for events. IT support, Copying/printing services, Meeting & event spaces, and Database & Research access (LexisNexis). Whatever your experience level, LCBH can find a VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY to match your needs. Our volunteers level the playing field by giving low income renters a voice in court. Our pro bono opportunities offer attorneys the chance to practice law in the area of housing; develop strong litigation skills; gain experience counseling and interviewing clients; draft settlements and enter into negotiations; receive CLE credits; and, most importantly, make a difference in the lives of others. To learn more about volunteer opportunities with LCBH, please contact our Pro Bono Coordinator, Samira Nazem at snazem@lcbh.org or (312) 784-3517.
HEARTS FOR HOUSING A celebration of good food, great drinks and our outstanding legal aid community, HEARTS FOR HOUSING is an amazing time had by all. ABOUT THE EVENT Each year, over 100 professionals eat, drink and mingle at Hearts for Housing event and have a fantastic time playing cards, participate in a huge raffle, network with other like-minded professionals, with lots to eat and drink all in support of making Chicago a better place for all of us through the support of affordable housing!
HEARTS FOR HOUSING SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Champion Sponsor $10,000 Benefits: Prominent Hearts for Housing sponsor recognition on all event-related marketing & promotional collateral: save-the-date, invitations, flyers, e-mails, and social media Verbal recognition at Hearts for Housing Sponsor recognition by logo/name on all LCBH event signage and in the event program Sponsor recognition by logo/name on the LCBH website event page 10 tickets to Hearts for Housing Builder Sponsor $5,000 Benefits: Hearts for Housing sponsor recognition on save-the-date, invitations, flyers, and e-mails Verbal recognition at Hearts for Housing Sponsor recognition by logo/name on all LCBH event signage and in the event program Sponsor recognition by logo/name on the LCBH website event page 8 tickets to Hearts for Housing Advocate Sponsor $2,500 Benefits: Hearts for Housing sponsor recognition on invitations, flyers, and e-mails Sponsor recognition by logo/name on all LCBH event signage and in the event program Sponsor recognition by logo/name on the LCBH website event page 6 tickets to Hearts for Housing
YOUR CONTRIBUTION IS ONLY THE BEGINNING. Your support furthers LCBH s ability to provide the services our Volunteers and Interns offer to those who are in need, and helps train the advocates of tomorrow. Together we can work to make sure everyone has a safe and decent place to call home. We know that this relationship can be very beneficial for both you and our organization. If you have any questions please feel free to contact: Cheryl Lawrence, LCBH Executive Director, clawrence@lcbh.org or 312-784-3512. Or Dawn DeBoard, Communications and Events Manager, ddeboard@lcbh.org or 312-784-3515 SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Partner Sponsor $1,000 Benefits: Sponsor recognition by name on all LCBH event signage and in the event program Sponsor recognition by name on the LCBH website event page 4 tickets to Hearts for Housing Friend Sponsor $500 Benefits: Sponsor recognition by name on all LCBH event signage and in the event program Sponsor recognition by name on the LCBH website event page 2 tickets to Hearts for Housing
SPONSORSHIP FORM Please fill-out the following form to confirm your chosen sponsorship level. Completed forms can be returned to Dawn DeBoard, Communications & Events Manager, at ddeboard@lcbh.org or by fax at 312-347-7604. CONTACT INFORMATION: Company Name Contact E-mail Address Address SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES: YES! I want to Sponsor LCBH in 2016 $10,000 $5,000 $2,500 $1,000 $500 Champion Sponsor Builder Sponsor Advoacte Sponsor Partner Sponsor Friend Sponsor Contact Person Contact Phone Number City/State/Zip Code PAYMENT INFORMATION: Please send me an invoice I have enclosed a check made payable to Lawyers Committee for Better Housing Please charge my credit card Card Type: Visa/MC/AmEx/Discover Card Number Expiration Date Security Code THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING EQUAL ACCESS TO JUSTICE! Once we receive your completed sponsorship form, LCBH staff will contact you to discuss event arrangements, sponsorship benefits and recognition. Please send your high resolution color and black and white logos. (.EPS or vector preferred) to ddeboard@lcbh.org. $ Total Sponsorship Cost Signature Date
IN-KIND GIFTS are so appreciated. So that we can stretch ever dollar received to ensure everyone in Chicago has a safe and decent place to call home. IN-KIND GIFT INSTRUCTIONS A donation form must be completed for every in-kind gift (tangible or intangible). Please print information as legibly as possible. This form is used to provide information for accurate description of the item or service and to prepare receipts for tax purposes. Donor Name: Fill in donor s name, address, and phone number. The donor is the person or company/organization actually donating the item. The contact name is the person filling out the form. Address: To ensure proper acknowledgement, it is very important that the address, zip code and phone number are complete and accurate. Donor Signature: The Donor Signature line must be signed to verify the estimated fair market value amount was provided by the actual donor. Detailed Description: Describe the item or service fully. Please be descriptive as possible. Estimated Fair Market Value: The estimated fair market value is the value of the item as provided by the donor. Tax Information: If your in-kind donation is valued over $500, you must fill out IRS Form 8283. If the item is valued over $5,000, you need to provide an appraisal. Should you have any questions, please refer to IRS publications 526 Charitable Contributions The completed In-Kind Donation Form must accompany your donation.
IN-KIND GIFT FORM Thank you so much for offering an in-kind gift/donation of goods and/or services to Lawyers Committee for Better Housing. This form will help us properly record and acknowledge your generous gift. DONOR INFORMATION: Individual Company/Organization Company Name Contact E-mail Address Address GIFT INFORMATION: Description of item (s) or service (s) Contact Person Contact Phone Number City/State/Zip Code Estimated FMV Donation Needs to Be picked Up. Date of Pickup: Best Time for pick-up: Location of Pick-up: Point of contact for pickup: Name: $ $ Phone: $ $ Gift Certificate (please attach) Value: $ Expiration Date: Donor Signature: Date: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SUPPORTING LAWYERS COMMITTEE FOR BETTER HOUSING! ALL ITEMS MAY BE SENT VIA MAIL TO LAWYERS COMMITTEE FOR BETTER HOUSING ATTN: DAWN DEBOARD 33 N. LASALLE ST., SUITE 900, CHICAGO, IL 60602 For Completion by LCBH Office Donation Accepted: YES NO Date Received: Event Using Gift (s) : Received by: