Center for Urban Research and Learning

Loyola University Chicago

Here you will find all of CURL's research projects and publications.

Formative Evaluation of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s Treatment Coordinator Pilot Program

(2009)

CURL conducted a formative evaluation of the of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s (AFC) Treatment Coordinator pilot project. This project occurred in two phases.  For the first phase of the project, AFC integrated a new treatment coordinator position into seven pilot agencies. The goal of the position was to create a seamlessly coordinated HIV/AIDS system integrating case management and clinical services, leading to improved individual level indicators and quality of life for clients.  We based our conclusions and recommendations for this phase on a variety of data sources including field observations, site visits, interviews, and one focus group. 

Download Final Report Formative Evaluation of The AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s Treatment Coordinator Pilot Program

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Young Women's Action Team

(2008)

CURL conducted an evaluation of Girl Leadership U (GLU), a series of six sessions hosted by Young Women’s Action Team (YWAT) in which emerging young women leaders develop skills that can be utilized in efforts to take action and create social change. The evaluation included a participant survey that examines: leadership development; advocacy; community organizing; self-awareness; ability to think critically; and connecting with other young emerging leaders to form allies for social change. The evaluation included an analysis of participants’ motivation to participate in GLU as well as the participants’ and session speakers’ perceptions of the program. The evaluation results were used to inform future YWAT programming. 

Download Final Report Rogers Park Young Women's Action Team: Executive Summary Final Report

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Homeless Over 50: The Graying of Chicago's Homeless Population

(2008)

CURL, in collaboration with the Chicago Alliance to End Homelessness and the financial support of the Retirement Research Foundation, embarked on a project to better understand the stories and the needs of this aging population. The Chicago Alliance to End Hopelessness plans to use the findings to help shape the implementations of the Chicago Plan to End Homelessness.  Currently, a group of 10 providers are meeting every other month and planning how to implement the recommendations of the report. The project itself aimed to increase public awareness and influence public policy on homelessness in Chicago.

Download Final Report Homeless Over 50: The Graying of Chicago's Homeless Population

Download Shortened Report Homeless Over 50: The Graying of Chicago’s Homeless Population Shortened Policy Brief 

Download Final Technical Report Homeless over 50: The Graying of Chicago's Homeless Population Final Technical Report 

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One and a Half Decades of Apartment Loss and Condominium Growth: Changes in Chicago's Residential Building Stock

(2007)

CURL researchers used data from the Cook County Assessor to document the decline in Chicago apartments and growth in condominium units from 1989 to 2004 in the following report. The analysis that follows uses parcel level data collected for the purpose of assessing property taxes by the Cook County Tax Assessor in 1989-1990, 1995-1997, 2002 and 2004.  

Download Final Report One and a Half Decades of Apartment Loss and Condominium Growth: Changes in Chicago’s Residential Building Stock 

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Finding Stability: An Evaluation of Graduates of Chicago Christian Industrial League's Single Adult Program

(2007)

Chicago Christian Industrial League (CCIL) partnered with the Center for Urban Research and Learning (CURL) at Loyola University Chicago to conduct an evaluation of CCIL’s 18-month residential program. Using a collaborative approach, CCIL and CURL conducted a participatory evaluation to assess how former residents of CCIL’s 18-month single male program experience stability after their departure from CCIL.

Download Final Report Finding Stability: An Evaluation of Graduates of Chicago Christian Industrial League's Single Adult Program

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Connecting Fractured Lives to a Fragmented System: A Process Evaluation of the Chicago Housing for Health Partnership

(2007)

CURL partnered with the AIDS Foundation of Chicago to evaluate Chicago Housing to Health Partnership (CHHP). This program uses an innovative housing first model for individuals who are homeless, have chronic medical conditions, and have been recently released from the hospital.

Download Report Connecting Fractured Lives to a Fragmented System: Process Evaluation Report Chicago Housing for Health Partnership

Download Policy Report Connecting Fractured Lives to a Fragmented System: Process Evaluation Report Chicago Housing for Health Partnership

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Chicago Freedom School

(2007)

CURL in partnership with the Chicago Freedom School conducted an evaluation of the Chicago Freedom School's inaugural 6-week summer institute for Chicago youth during the summer of 2007. This final report prepared by CURL includes an overview of the CFS 2007 Summer Leadership Institute, the main evaluation activities, highlights of findings from all data collected, and recommendations. 

Download Report Chicago Freedom School

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Impact of Gentrification and Displacement on Different Racial and Ethnic Communities in Chicago

(2006)

In partnership with the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations, researchers from CURL and multiple Loyola University departments examined the cycle of community reinvestment, displacement and its impact on low income residents, particularly  those living in predominantly African American or Latino communities.

Download Final Report The Differential Impact of Gentrification on Communities in Chicago

Download Executive Summary The Differential Impact of Gentrification on Communities in Chicago Executive Summary

Download Appendix A Data Tables and Maps

Download Appendix B Interview Schedule 

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From the Perspective of Diverse Users: An Evaluation of the City of Chicago Domestic Violence Help Line

(2006)

The Mayor's Office of Domestic Violence (MODV) and CURL initiated a two-year collaborative evaluation of the City of Chicago Domestic Violence Help Line.  The evaluation accomplished three main goals: 1) it assessed the effectiveness of the Help Line's operation in serving domestic violence victims from Chicago's diverse populations; 2) it described the unique needs of domestic violence victims diverse populations and their experiences using the information, referrals, and linkages received; and 3) it examined key features of the Help Line model.

Download Technical Report Providing a Citywide System of Single Point Access to Domestic Violence Information, Resources, and Referrals to a Diverse Population: An Evaluation of the City of Chicago Domestic Violence Help Line 

Download Executive Summary From the Perspective of Diverse Users: An Evaluation of the City of Chicago Domestic Violence Help Line 

Download summaries of findings from each group of informants:

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Evaluation of the Wireless Community Network: Transforming Vision into Action

(2006)

The Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT) established pilot projects in the Chicagoland area to deliver very low-cost, high-speed broadband access to homes, small businesses, and community-based institutions. This report describes the process of creating and implementing a wireless network in four unique community settings and the impact of the wireless network upon the anchor/partner organization and community residents (end-users). In addition, the research data was used to help create a business model for sustaining the wireless network.

Download Report Transforming Vision into Action: An Evaluation of the Wireless Community Nework

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