History
Founded in 1909 by the Rev. George Kilbey as a non-sectarian agency, CCIL’s first home was an old, rented warehouse located at 12 East 12th Street in Chicago, Illinois. The total equipment consisted of two bottomless chairs, a kitchen table with three legs (the fourth corner was nailed to the wall) and an old horse and wagon. At the time the organization was founded, clients were facing many of the issues that they continue to face today - homelessness, unemployment, alcoholism and incarceration.
From its inception, CCIL’s main focus has been providing hope, help and a home to those who need its services. Originally a “mission” in Chicago’s Skid Row area, CCIL was founded on the belief that work was the key to restoring independence. This principal is evident today in our commitment to training as a primary means of employment to assist residents in overcoming the challenges of homelessness.
Over the course of the last 99 years, CCIL has moved through a series of milestones that truly showcase our dedication to helping those that come through our doors create a new life for themselves. Some of the highlights of the past 99 years include:
99 Years of Progress and Performance
| 1909 | The Rev. George Kilbey and the Chicago Presbytery incorporate CCIL as a not-for-profit organization. |
| 1910 | A mission hotel for men is opened; free meals are provided. |
| 1913 | Property is purchased on South Wentworth for use as a South Side branch. |
| 1917 | Buildings at 1932 N. Burlington are purchased for $25,000 to serve as CCIL headquarters. |
| 1918 | CCIL allows the Red Cross to work out of its headquarters during World War I. |
| 1933 | Depression Era: bond issue debt and many bills are past due; Christian donors step forward unaware of the dire need. |
| 1934 | CCIL celebrates its 25th Anniversary and honors Rev. Kilbey. He dies later in the year. |
| 1935 | A staff physician is appointed; medical service is made available to the men of CCIL. |
| 1942 | Saturday evening services are broadcast live on WMBI. |
| 1944 | World War II: CCIL provides help to disabled men and alcoholics. |
| 1948 | CCIL is free of debt and a ceremonial burning of the mortgage takes place. |
| 1951 | Fire destroys one building; construction begins on a new industrial building on Monroe Street. |
| 1959 | 50th Anniversary is celebrated: WMBI broadcasts documentary programs about CCIL. |
| 1968 | CCIL escapes damage from West Side riots and burnings; operates daytime programs only. |
| 1971 | CCIL purchases Gazolla Drug Company facility, 123 S. Green St., former site of CCIL, with the support of W.W. Grainger. |
| 1975 | Purchase of the Mills Hotel, an old flophouse; presently the Monroe Single Room Occupancy facility. |
| 1981 | Ministry to women begins in a new residence, Grainger Hall. |
| 1984 | 75th Anniversary celebrated. CCIL receives the Human Service Award. The Firehouse building is renovated for women. |
| 1989 | The first Community Builder Award dinner is held. |
| 1990 | CCIL works with the city of Chicago to relocate the homeless living at O'Hare Airport. |
| 1992 | CCIL begins services to families with children. |
| 1993 | The White House designates CCIL one of the Thousand Points of Light. The Landscaping Training Program is created with ServiceMaster as partner. |
| 1995 | CCIL partners with ServiceMaster to create a Landscape Training Program. |
| 1996 | ARAMARK partners with CCIL for Food Service Training Program. CCIL and Central City Housing Ventures break ground for a new Single Room Occupancy residence. |
| 1997 | The Studios on Wabash, the first new Single Room Occupancy in Chicago in more than 50 years, opens under the management of CCIL. Job Readiness and Job Development Services, Educational Services, and Job Retention Training were implemented. |
| 1998 | Mayor Richard M. Daley participates in a celebration of the 5th anniversary of CCIL's Landscape Services Training Program, a "Partnership That Works in the City That Works." |
| 1999 | CCIL celebrates 90th Anniversary. Master Gardener Training is initiated. |
| 2000 | CCIL implements a structured curriculum for residents. The Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds Clinic opened May 24. |
| 2001 | CCIL's upgraded website is unveiled: www.theleague.org |
| 2003 | CCIL announces $8.5 million dollar Capital campaign for design and construction of a new facility in the North Lawndale neighborhood. |
| 2004 | Mayor Richard M. Daley is honored at Celebration of Success, recognizing the 10th Anniversary of CCIL’s Landscape Services Training Program. |
| 2005 | CCIL breaks ground on its new campus in North Lawndale in April 2005. Construction is completed on The Studios at 600 South Wabash. |
| 2006 | CCIL moves into new facility at 2750 W Roosevelt Road. |
As CCIL nears its 100th anniversary in 2009, the organization will work to keep pace with the changing landscape of society and will continue to help the community as one of Chicago’s largest organizations serving the city’s poor and homeless residents.