Mission, Work, and History

Who we are and what we do
Our work
Meetings and events
Organization
How you can help
Join us
Media coverage
Learn more

Click the image to see the We Are Urban Habitat Chicago slideshow.

Who we are and what we do

Mission

The mission of Urban Habitat Chicago is to demonstrate the viability of sustainable concepts and practices in urban environments through research, education, and hands-on projects.

We work at the intersections of urban agriculture, the built environment, materials recovery and reuse, and emerging local industries, focusing on creating seamless transitions in the cycles of resources at all scales.

People

The people of UHC are drawn from many professions and interests - architecture & urban planning, biology, product design, interior design, media production, landscape architecture, construction, real estate, and education. UHC is a talented, multidisciplinary team of people that work on a volunteer basis to develop and apply unique solutions to the many challenges presented in cities.

History

Urban Habitat Chicago (UHC) was formed as a response to prevailing views that human beings are separate from, and often detractors of, the environment. We believe our species is an integral part of the environment, and that we have the power and the mandate to act responsibly at scales ranging from local to global in order to be positive contributors. Since it has been projected that greater than 60% of the world’s population will be concentrated in urban areas by 2030, cities are, increasingly, our particular part of the environment and our particular sphere of influence. Finally, we believe an urban citizenry well-versed in implementing sustainable concepts and practices will be uniquely poised to help lead our nation in facing the immense current and future environmental, economic, and social justice challenges.

UHC was formed in 2004 by a handful of like-minded individuals taking classes at Chicago’s Center for Green Technology who were not satisfied with simply learning about sustainability but who wanted to put these principles into action through actual projects. In 2005, Illinois nonprofit status was sought and granted.

Since 2006, under the leadership of a volunteer Board of Directors, outreach and education expanded, lectures become well-attended, and membership has grown at a very modest rate - we add only those individuals who are deeply committed and whose skillsets appear to be of unique benefit in reinforcing our mission.

In 2007, urban agriculture initiatives became better-established with the addition of a Director of Urban Agriculture. In 2008, with the addition of a Director of Communications & Administrative Assistant, website updates were streamlined and weekly email newsletters keep members and a growing list of the general public informed of UHC (and related) activities. By the close of 2009, UHC has presented its first conference - Chicago 2175: Creating the Change, completed the Joy Garden at Northside College Preparatory High School, presented one full year of challenging lectures, and solidified its organizational structure to better prepare itself for coming opportunities.
We look forward to deepening and broadening our mission in 2010 with federal nonprofit status.

Our work

Past projects include the adaptive reuse of an 1890’s carriage house, the deconstruction of the 1954 home of a Japanese watercolor artist, alternative materials research, and a do-it-yourself method of vegetating derelict urban sites.

Ongoing projects include outreach and advocacy with several working urban gardens, a lecture series and presentations for the benefit of our members and the public, a building-integrated food-producing roof at True Nature Foods at 6034 N. Broadway Avenue in Chicago, advocacy for materials reuse and deconstruction as an alternative to building demolition.

Future projects will include green collar job development, other urban agriculture and productive landscape projects, educating professionals and the public on the viability of materials reuse, and the creation of unique and diverse habits within the urban environment - whether on the ground, on a roof, or in the classroom!

Download the Urban Habitat Chicago, about us brochure (PDF format, 720 KB) to learn who we are, what we do, and why we do it.
Includes some current project summaries.

Meetings and events

Meetings generally occur bi-monthly and involve hands-on building projects and discussions of upcoming events.

Please see Events for more information on current projects and upcoming events.

Organization

UHC is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization in the State of Illinois and is seeking its 501c3 nonprofit status.
We are guided by a Board of Directors, which meets monthly, supported by Staff

How you can help

We need you in order to help make our region a better environment.
UHC is an Illinois nonprofit organization that needs your encouragement and support.
To find out how you can help, and to learn more about what we do and why, keep looking around our website and visit us often.

Please help support UHC.

Join us!

To hang out with us, volunteer for a project, become a member, or join us mailing list…
Contact Us!

CURRENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

Fundraising Committee Members
Job description: assists Fundraising Coordinator in identifying and supporting fundraising objectives and opportunities such as events, membership coordination, corporate sponsors, and grant applications. Fundraising and writing experience required.

Press and Marketing Volunteer
Job description: documents the work of UHC for use in marketing, press and community outreach, creates regular weblog entries, and publicizes UHC events. Must be proactive and seek information independently, and be able to eventually represent UHC to the media. Will be aided by / assist UHC graphics and fundraising volunteers. Experience with writing, photography, and print media required. Published authorship and video experience a plus.

Events and Audio Visual Support Volunteer
Job description: technical and logistical assistance to UHC A/V staff in recording, producing and supporting UHC media events, including reserving venues, registration, deliveries, etc. as well as audio visual support. Experience with basic audio and video editing and recording required as well as the ability to do a basic A/V setup (including computer out to the projector). Weekly hours may vary due to monthly / special events.

Architectural and Graphics / General Office Support Volunteer
Job description: Assists in general administrative support as needed, (paperwork, email, etc.) and periodically creates 2D and 3D architectural drawings and renderings, assists with design/code research and feasibility studies. Occasional graphics support for marketing. General office and writing skills, as well as experience with AutoCAD, Photoshop, InDesign, SketchUp required. Weekly hours may vary / be intermittent.

Urban Agriculture Interns
Job description: assists in maintaining and managing UHC’s urban agriculture initiatives at multiple existing and new sites. Must be highly motivated, capable of and interested in physical work, as well as responsible, independent, and well organized. Environmental experience and experience in managing youth or adults a plus. Starting from May and onwards for six week or longer terms, approximately two days or 16 hours per week.

Media coverage

Rooftop Victory Garden at True Nature Foods
Deconstruction advocacy
Do-It-Yourself: Seed Balls

Learn more

We Are Urban Habitat Chicago - the most complete, full-color, uncensored, and all-inclusive slideshow for public consumption that we’ve got!!