From paying for a new or renewed driver’s license to registering to vote, the office of secretary of state directly affects everyone living in Illinois. Illinois State Rep. Dan Brady, a Republican, and Alexi Giannoulias, a Democrat and former Illinois state treasurer, are competing for the office of secretary of state. After 24 years, voters will have the opportunity.
75% face homelessness. reporter: business consultant camille kerr looked at the problem and saw an opportunity. she envisioned a business run by former innatsz would feed chicago s neediest people. they are the board of directors. they are the owners. they are the management of this organization. reporter: kerr worked with local organizers to recruit bryant and four other founding members. bryant proudly accepted the role of cook. that s the only hope you got, trying to figure out trying to open your own business once you leave business. reporter: chi fresh kitchen launched, an organization in desperate need of meals welcomed its services. we had 50 meals our first contract. after that, we was at like 500 to 1,000 meals. in a matter of like weeks.
former prisoners often struggle to find work because of their backgrounds, especially women of color, bought food business in chicago is trying to give ex-inmates another chance. adrian broadist has more. you keep looking and keep looking, but it s all these nos, no, no. reporter: she spent time in prison for second-degree murder and struggled to find long-term work when released in 2017. i applied to numerous places. i remember i went to like o hare to look for a job. reporter: it s difficult for former prisoners to find a job. you want to be honest because if they look they re going to see it. there was no return phone calls or follow-up. reporter: it s particularly hard for black women. they re unemployed at almost double the rate of formerly incarcerated white women.