About | FIRSTHAND: Homeless
About
Homelessness is a widespread and complex issue in Chicago and other American cities, with no quick answers or simple solutions. While the public, media, and even policymakers often look away from the problem, WTTW spends a year focused on the challenging experiences and unique perspectives of unhoused people across the Chicago’s neighborhoods in Firsthand: Homeless.
Support for Firsthand: Homeless is provided by:
Ann and Rich Carr
The Knight Family Foundation
Edwardson Family Foundation
Joel M. Friedman, President, Alvin H. Baum Family Fund 
Denny and Sandy Cummings
Marc and Jeanne Malnati Family Foundation
Alexandra C. Nichols
Peter and Alicia Pond
Community Engagement Partners
All Chicago
Mission: to unite the community and resources to provide solutions that ensure and sustain the stability of home.
Chicago Public Library
Mission: to welcome and support all people in their enjoyment of reading and pursuit of lifelong learning; and to provide equal access to information, ideas and knowledge through books, programs and other resources.
The Night Ministry
Mission: to provide human connection, housing support, and health care to those who are unhoused or experiencing poverty.
Project Credits
Digital and Marketing
Website Design
Justin Henderson
Website Development & Production
Glenn Blicharz
Kevin Crowley
Justin Henderson
Jenny Macchione
Mike Scipioni
Still Photography
Lloyd DeGrane
Ken Carl
Social Media & Promotion
Meredith Francis
Daniel Hautzinger
Megan Lemersal
Julia Maish
EVP, Marketing & Digital
Anne Gleason
Community Engagement
Vice President of Community Engagement
Tim Russell
Senior Manager, Community Engagement
Emily Dehm
Community Engagement Specialist
Maya Horton
Documentaries
Producer
Mario Tharpe
Directors
Teresa Crawford
Ines Sommer
Mario Tharpe
Edgar Vargas
Teresa White
Directors of Photography
Margaret Byrne
Joshua Jackson
Sam Rong
Ines Sommer
Additional Camera
Joe Martinez
Jason Rhee
Joshua Jackson
Field Audio
Tyler Felson
Editors
Wayne Kumingo
Alanna Schmelter
Katerina Simic
Original Score
Allie n Steve Mullen
Re-Recording Mixer
Dufftone Sound
Postproduction Supervisor
Wayne Kumingo
Colorist
Matt Taylor
Art Director
Linda Fox
Executive Producers
Dan Protess
Anne Gleason
Talks
Producer
Judith McCray
Director
Marc Shaykin
Technical Director
Scott Zeugner
Video
Al Williams
Sound/Audio
Michael Sweeney
Tape Operator
Mark Anderson
Camera
Tim Jackson
Felix Mendez
Damon Ranger
Electronic Graphics
Mike Bania
Floor Director
Bruce Rehberger
Lighting Director
Tom Godar
Maintenance
Garrett Fletcher
Art Director
Linda Fox
Production EIC
Dave Moyer
Text and Visual Journalism
Jeb Backe
Heather Cherone, WTTW News
Matt Masterton, WTTW News
Jared Rutecki, WTTW News
Discussion Guide
Fran Sterling
