Why Habitat is Needed in Chicagoland

In Illinois, 1 IN 7 HOUSEHOLDS spend half or more of their income on housing.

Because of increased housing costs and growing income inequality, nearly one-third of households in the United States face cost burdens – paying either at least 30 percent of their income for housing (cost-burdened) or at least half of their income on housing (severely cost-burdened). These burdens leave nearly 38 million households with little income to afford the cost of food, health care and other basic necessities. With more than 18 million severely cost-burdened households in the U.S., the importance of advocating for home affordability for homeowners and renters cannot be overstated.

Housing in the Chicagoland area must become a priority

  • The percentage of people in the Chicagoland area without access to decent, stable housing is rising.
  • Increasing and rehabbing the housing supply across Chicagoland is essential.
  • Adequate housing is vitally important to the health of the region’s economies, communities and populations.
  • If we are to succeed in the fight against poverty, we must support the expansion of housing both as policy and as practice.

Decent, stable housing is more than a roof overhead

  • Decent affordable housing provides stability for families and children.
  • Owning a home provides a family with a sense of dignity and pride.
  • Homeowners enjoy better health, physical safety, and security.
  • Families in homes tend to have increased educational and job prospects.

Good housing contributes greatly to thriving communities

  • Housing is a catalyst for civic involvement and a stimulus for community-based organizations.
  • Safe homes and neighborhoods help to build social stability and security.

To find out more on housing affordability visit the Habitat for Humanity International website.

Individual Tickets

Can’t attend but would like to support the event? Click here to make an online donation!

First Look for Charity 2023 Tickets

Official Hotel

WHY NOT MAKE A SPECIAL EVENT EVEN MORE MOMENTOUS? THE CHICAGO AUTO SHOW HAS PARTNERED WITH THE HYATT REGENCY MCCORMICK PLACE TO OFFER AN EXCEPTIONAL RATE FOR GUESTS ATTENDING FIRST LOOK FOR CHARITY.

Hyatt Regency McCormick Place

The Chicago Auto Show is proud to announce its continued partnership with the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place as the official hotel for the 2023 Chicago Auto Show.

Just a 5-minute indoor walk from the McCormick Place show floor, experience modern guestrooms and sweeping views of the Chicago Skyline. Overnight guests of the hotel will receive a 15% discount at our multiple on-site food and beverage outlets.

The negotiated rate for First Look for Charity, scheduled for Friday, February 10 is $143*. Internet and health club/pool access is included with the price of the room.

Vehicle Giveaway

One highlight of the First Look for Charity is the vehicle giveaway. Over the years, lucky winners have driven off with the keys to 50 vehicles, including a Chevrolet Corvette and Dodge Viper. Any attendee who has purchased a ticket is eligible to win. However, the winner must be present at the time of the drawing.

This year, the giveaway vehicles are a 2023 Honda CR-V Touring Hybrid or a 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Sport. Winner must be present at the time of the drawing.

[1] A random drawing of ticket stubs for all attendees at the First Look for Charity Event with be made upon open stage during the course of the event. Vehicle(s) will be awarded at that time. If the owner of the winning ticket stub drawn fails to claim prize within a reasonable time, as determined solely by the Chicago Auto Trade Association, his right to the vehicle will be forfeited and an additional ticket stub will be drawn. The odds of winning depend upon the number of ticket stubs collected. Substitutions for the vehicle are not permitted; there are no cash award alternatives. Void where prohibited by law. Winner agrees to permit the Chicago Automobile Trade Association and/or the First Look for Charity Foundation to use his/her picture for future publicity and promotion without compensation. Winner further agrees to provide name, address and Social Security number to the Chicago Automobile Trade Association and/or the First Look for Charity Foundation, and to be responsible for any and all taxes, including Federal and State income taxes, state and local sales taxes or excise taxes, as applicable. Winner further acknowledges that he/she will be provided a Federal Form 1099 at year end indicating the full value of the prize awarded.