About Us
The Heartland Alliance Policy & Advocacy team advocates for policies that help end poverty.
Grounded in 125 years of experience providing housing, healthcare, jobs and justice to society’s most vulnerable, Heartland Alliance has a unique understanding of the policy barriers that can prevent people living in poverty from getting ahead. Our Policy and Advocacy team leverages this experience in combination with cutting edge research from the Heartland Alliance research team to identify and advance proven solutions to poverty at the local, state, and federal levels. We lead by developing policy proposals, building strategic alliances, and pursuing legislative and budgetary action. Our work is advancing meaningful policy and systems change to strengthen communities and create a more just global society.
Our Issues
We are a leading voice on the following issues: Asset Building, Employment & Economic Security, Health Care, Housing, and Human Services.
Asset Building
We believe everyone deserves access to the tools needed to build financial security for themselves and their families. To this end, we advocate for increased opportunities to build savings across a lifetime and stronger protections against dangerous financial products. We are a leading voice in the national asset building movement on behalf of low-income families and coordinate the statewide Illinois Asset Building Group (IABG). Learn More.
Employment & Economic Security
Every person should have the opportunity for meaningful employment that provides a living wage and opportunities for advancement. We advocate for the human right to work through contextualized workforce development and adult education programs. Learn More.
Health Care
Access to health care is a human right. It enhances quality of life and allows people to participate meaningfully in their community. We advocate for a health system that addresses the needs of the most vulnerable. Our goal is to ensure that health reform translates to increased access and improved health outcomes for all. Learn More.
Housing
Affordable, safe, and supportive housing is central to the strength of community, as well as individual and family, wellbeing. We advocate for the human right to housing and work for systemic change to prevent homelessness and expand affordable and supportive housing options for those in need. Learn More.
Safety Net
No one should go hungry or be exposed to danger or extreme poverty because they are unable to work. We advocate for a strong safety net of programs and services that affirm human dignity and support to people in achieving maximum independence. Learn More.