Life is Work shares Christmas joy with over 300 people

For nearly a decade, the holiday season in Chicago has been defined by a vital tradition of community support aimed at those facing homelessness and housing insecurity. As the need for assistance continues to rise across the city with current economic conditions, the local organization Life Is Work has remained a steadfast resource, providing nourishment and care to more than 300 individuals each Christmas.

Based on the West Side, Life Is Work holds the distinction of being the first Black and Brown trans-led social services and advocacy nonprofit in the Midwest. The organization is built on a mission to educate and empower what its styles as the TLGBQ+ community through a range of services. Its impact stretches beyond holiday meals, encompassing non-medical case management, workforce development, and a solidarity closet, alongside a dedicated food pantry and housing support.

The organization was founded in 2015 by Zahara Monique Bassett, a lifelong advocate for trans human rights and social justice. While Bassett was raised on the North Side, her extensive background with institutions such as Chicago House, Howard Brown Health and Brave Space Alliance led her to establish this West Side sanctuary. Her work has earned her significant recognition, including induction into the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame and the Chicago Foundation for Women Impact Award.

Reflecting on the growth of the organization, Bassett said she once prayed for a workforce that truly believed in the community and understood the unique, intersectional struggles of the people they serve. She believes those prayers have been answered through the dedicated team now surrounding her. This sentiment is echoed by Jae O. Rice, a communications consultant for the organization, who described Bassett as the "Mutha of LIW," a title that reflects her role in housing and supporting trans women of color who face systemic barriers.

Life Is Work proved its resilience during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. At a time when many services were shuttering, the organization intensified its efforts to provide housing and resources for underserved transgender and nonbinary people of color.

Today, as transphobic legislation persists at both state and federal levels, the organization continues to adapt to the increasing lack of resources available to the community. By maintaining a dedicated resource room and providing stable housing support, Life Is Work ensures that basic needs are met with dignity, proving that the spirit of giving in Chicago is as much about justice as it is about holiday cheer.

Heading into 2026, the legislative landscape for the transgender community is undergoing a significant shift toward federal-level restrictions and expanded state-level enforcement. While previous years were largely defined by state-by-state bans, 2025 has seen an unprecedented surge in national policy changes and executive actions that will take full effect or face critical legal deadlines in early 2026.

The most significant impact heading into the new year comes from recent federal rule changes regarding gender-affirming care. In late 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) introduced rules that effectively create a national restriction on care for minors. One proposed rule would bar hospitals from participating in Medicare and Medicaid if they provide gender-affirming care to individuals under 18.

Life is Work is poised to continue being a voice against these proposed changes and be ready to support its constituents.