What is CABI?
CABI is QUILT's grassroots community engagement initiative, the foundation of everything we do. Before programs can succeed, trust must be built. CABI creates that trust.
Our community ambassadors are neighbors, not outsiders. They knock on doors, attend community events, and have real conversations about the barriers residents face, whether it's affordable internet access, digital skills, or connecting to essential services.
Through listening and relationship-building, CABI identifies what communities truly need and informs how QUILT designs programs, advocates for change, and connects residents to opportunities.
Relationship-First
We believe lasting change begins with trust. Our ambassadors build genuine relationships with the residents they serve.
Community Listening
Every program starts with listening. We hear directly from residents about their challenges, hopes, and priorities.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
CABI ambassadors come from the communities they serve, bringing cultural understanding and authentic connection.
How CABI Works
CABI follows a proven process that puts community voices at the center of digital equity work.
Step 1
Community Listening & Engagement
Our ambassadors go door-to-door, attend community events, and host neighborhood sessions to understand what residents truly need, not what we assume they need.
Step 3
Advocacy & Solution Design
Community insights directly shape how we advocate for policy change, design programs, and tailor services to meet real needs rather than theoretical ones.
Step 2
Identifying Barriers & Needs
Through authentic conversations, we uncover the specific obstacles preventing digital participation, affordability, skills gaps, trust issues, language barriers, or lack of access.
Step 4
Connecting Communities to Resources
We bridge the gap between residents and programs,, whether it's affordable internet enrollment, digital skills training, job opportunities, or other QUILT initiatives.
Who CABI Serves
CABI works with diverse stakeholders to build bridges between communities and the systems designed to serve them.
Residents & Neighborhoods
Families and individuals seeking digital access, skills training, and connection to essential services.
Key outcomes
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Enrollment in affordable internet programs
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Access to digital literacy training
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Navigation to community resources
Housing Authorities & Agencies
Public housing providers and government agencies seeking trusted community engagement partners.
Key outcomes
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Resident engagement strategies
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Digital equity program implementation
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Data-informed policy advocacy
Community Organizations
Nonprofits, faith-based groups, and grassroots organizations partnering to extend reach and impact.
Key outcomes
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Co-hosted outreach events
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Shared community insights
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Amplified program awareness
Program & Infrastructure Partners
ISPs, workforce programs, and service providers who need authentic community connections.
Key outcomes
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Trusted introduction to communities
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Enrollment and adoption support
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Feedback loops for improvement
Why CABI Matters
Digital access programs don't fail because of technology; they fail because of disconnection. CABI solves that fundamental challenge.
Measurable Outcomes
CABI’s engagement directly correlates with higher program enrollment, greater digital adoption, and stronger community resilience. Trust translates to results.
Community-Informed Design
When programs are designed with community input, not just for communities, adoption rates increase, barriers are addressed proactively, and resources are used more effectively.
Trust Enables Impact
Programs without community trust fail. CABI’s relationship-first approach creates the foundation for all of QUILT's digital equity, workforce, and connectivity initiatives to succeed.
Partner With CABI
Whether you're a housing authority, community organization, government agency, or funder, there's a pathway to work with CABI.
Start a Partnership
Work with CABI to bring trusted community engagement to your housing community, neighbourhood, or service area.
Talk to Our Team
Have questions about how CABI works? Schedule a conversation with our community engagement team.
Support Community Outreach
Fund the ambassadors, training, and resources that make CABI's community-centered work possible.
Weaving communities together through digital empowerment, workforce development, and collaborative innovation
630.464.1112
6144 S Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago, IL 60637
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