Community Leadership in Action: JD Miller on CLTV's Politics Tonight

Executive Summary

I joined Paul Lisnek on CLTV's Politics Tonight at the WGN Studios to discuss the pressing reality of homelessness and food insecurity in Chicago. At the time, I was serving as the Director of the 530 Fullerton Foundation (now known as Care for Friends) while balancing a career as a technology sales executive. Our conversation focused on breaking the common stereotypes of the unhoused; the data showed that a significant portion of those in need were hardworking individuals forced to choose between rent, food, and rising medical costs.

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The work we did at Care for Friends—providing over 18,000 hot meals a year and operating a specialized foot care clinic—was built on the backbone of community support rather than just government funding. We discussed the critical role of "mom and pop" local businesses, like the Big Apple Store, in providing fresh produce when larger chains couldn't. This episode serves as a reminder that the need for community-driven support is constant, not seasonal. By integrating professional leadership with grassroots volunteerism, we can create more efficient, compassionate systems that provide dignity and essential care to our neighbors 365 days a year.