Our history

Life Is Work was founded in 2017 with our Meals for Christmas community event, which yearly feeds over 300 homeless and others experiencing housing instability in the Chicagoland area. To increase the health, safety, and security of transgender and nonbinary individuals. Life is Work identified severe service and initiative gaps for transgender Non-binary (TGNB) communities of color in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Life is Work established partnerships with local housing specialists and linkage agreements with health care providers in order to provide direct access for transgender people of color. To speak with and provide safe spaces for Transgender Non-binary people of color on the west side of Chicago, we had to overcome various obstacles. In the midst of an epidemic of anti-transgender legislation at the state and federal levels, the opening of a Resource Center and a Resale Boutique has been a monumental undertaking. Access to housing, healthcare, and jobs for our clients has become increasingly difficult.