LCBH was awarded $100,000 in unrestricted funding from Impact Grants Chicago, a women-powered collective giving organization, to continue serving Chicago’s low-to-moderate income renters in and outside of eviction court.
“We are incredibly grateful to be a 2026 Impact Grant recipient. LCBH has been committed to protecting renters’ rights for more than 45 years, and the generous unrestricted support from the Impact Grants Chicago members allows us to continue our vital work, especially as demand for our services increases,” Mark Swartz, LCBH Executive Director.
Represented by LCBH Board Member Andrew Harrison and former staff member, April Ikengah, LCBH was invited to share our mission, stories, and impact with the members of Impact Grants Chicago during their annual celebration on May 27th, 2026.
Since its founding in 2017, Impact Grants Chicago has awarded over $3.9M million in funding, with 100% of member donations going directly to nonprofits. Each member contributes $1,000 annually, and all grants are determined through a democratic process of evaluation, discussion, and a final live vote at the annual celebration. LCBH was one of four $100,000 grant winners out of more than 130 applicants.
With the generous support of Impact Grants Chicago, LCBH can continue serving Chicago’s renters like April, emphasizing our housing stabilization and eviction prevention services.
April’s landlord filed an eviction against her nearly eight years ago for nonpayment of a water bill. She had lived in her Austin apartment for many years and had never been to eviction court before. With her trial set for two weeks later, she got connected with a free attorney and supportive services case manager at LCBH who helped her navigate the eviction process.
April’s attorney helped her negotiate a move-out agreement which got her eviction dismissed and sealed from her rental record. After her court date, her case manager continued working with her to secure more stable housing. A few years later when a spot opened on the Supportive Services Team, her case manager encouraged her to take what she had learned and pursue a career supporting others facing eviction.
Now, eight years later, April continues helping people navigate serious housing issues. She’s also celebrating the purchase of her first home where she can comfortably house her children and mother.
“It’s scary to think that without the Law Center for Better Housing, even eight years later, my eviction would still be on my record, and my story would have a very different ending. But, thankfully, LCBH’s support isn’t just a one-off service; it’s an investment in renters’ futures, and I’m confident if more people can access their services, there will be more success stories like mine,” April said.