What We Do

Intensive Job Training

We don't shield students from the realities they will face in the workplace; rather, we become the workplace right here at Cleanslate (and we have a bit of fun, too).

Intensive Training

Most Cleanslate interns are first students of The Cara Program. To learn how to be accepted into The Cara Program, please click here.

Once in Cleanslate, our interns’ work experience is defined by the following key parameters:

What We Do

Property Preservation

Empty homes (caused by foreclosure) are prime targets for behavior that threatens the safety of our neighborhoods. Together with Mercy Housing Lakefront, we want to do something about it.

Preserving Chicago's Neighborhoods

180 Properties – a joint venture between Mercy Housing Lakefront and The Cara Program, made possible through the support of Founding Funder Chase Foundation and other investors – is a social enterprise designed to provide comprehensive property maintenance services for homes in foreclosure in the hardest hit blocks in the city of Chicago.

What We Do

Neighborhood Beautification

"I have been overwhelmingly impressed with the professional and thorough nature of Cleanslate.” Irene Sherr – Principal, Community Counsel, of the 53rd St. TIF Advisory Counsel