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SISTER-FRIEND PARTNERSHIPS, INC.

 

   

 "Empowering women to change the world around us"

ABOUT US - OUR HISTORY & FUTURE


HUMBLE BEGINNINGS.....


Sister-Friend Partnerships, Inc. In the spring of 2004, SFPI had its humble beginnings in the living room of the founder, Ms. Tammie T. Morris.  Once a month, a few women and teen girls from the community would gather together to build camaraderie and to share information and advice regarding job leads, careers, parenting and spiritual enrichment.  The group began connecting with women and teen girls outside of the circle.  This led to more women being invited to the fellowship gatherings. In 2007 the program grew beyond the space of the cozy living room into a nearby community center where monthly empowerment workshops, counseling sessions, bible study and special events were held.  Thus, the heart and soul of Sister-Friend Partnerships, Inc. was born. 


In 2013, SFPI established its formal Board of Directors and was recognized by the IRS and the State of IL as 501c3 charitable organization. 


Today, SFPI is committed to the work of diminishing homelessness in our community and to serve vulnerable women (and their families) through gender responsive programs and services leading to economic independence,  educational empowerment, health and wellness, family and community, friendship, spiritual enrichment and more........

SFPI - JOINING THE FIGHT AGAINST HOMELESSNESS - WOMEN & CHILDREN

 

  • Chicago Coalition for the Homeless (CCH) released its most recent data findings which estimated 76,998 people experienced homelessness in Chicago throughout 2018. Accordingly, these data findings also suggest that there was a significant increase (of 1,973) in those who lived on the street or in a shelter. 

  • According to Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) data, 23,087 people utilized Chicago’s homeless service system and 21.5% reported temporarily staying with others at least once in 2018.

  • In 2018, 30,681 people in families with children were experiencing homelessness and 77% were temporarily staying with others. HMIS data suggest that 1,307 people experienced homelessness in families headed by youth (age 24 and younger).....[see chart below]

  • In 2018, of those coping with street and shelter homelessness, 78% identified as Black or African-American. 

  • Further, the Point in Time (PIT) count and survey of unsheltered and sheltered homeless persons in Chicago led by the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) found that the gender distribution for the sheltered population has shifted in 2019 with the female population increasing by 4%.

Resource
https://www.chicagohomeless.org 
City of Chicago 2019 Homeless Point-in-Time Count & Survey Report
     

OUR FUTURE


We need office space and a functional multi-unit building!  


SFPI endeavors to address the problem and the risks associated with homelessness by providing transitional housing programs and holistic wrap around services for vulnerable women (and their children) - that lead to permanent housing placement.   Our goal is to offer a clean, safe and healthy family environment that will inspire successful independent living that is long-term, and eliminate risks leading to any further occurrence of homelessness. 


Further, our commitment includes building strong community partnerships and collaborations, plus advocacy and outreach that will reduce the number of abandon buildings in our neighborhoods and reduce the number of homeless women and children living on the streets of Chicago or in dangerous spaces.