Readers are reminded there are many resources for the homeless! Sometimes we forget to spread the word—and so here is some more info that can help the unhoused and the unroofed.
I. Mutual Aid Chicago
“Mutual Aid Chicago” keeps a great list of hot meal locations and other resources for the un-addressed and other folks out there. Here is the link: Mutual Aid Map — Community Kitchen Chicago
You have perhaps seen the colorful PDF version of the hot meals map and other resources (see link) printed out like a newspaper and available in the city. Also included on the link – and on the PDF – are these entries: food aid, food pantries, pantry boxes, mutual aid groups, distribution groups, and the “Love Fridge” locations.
The “Love Fridge” functions this way: people access what they need, and they contribute what they can. It is NOT charity, instead an exchange. The website tells us “Our goal is to nourish our community while working against food apartheid and food waste, alongside other like-minded community partners” (The Love Fridge Chicago).
There are opportunities to donate funds, and other connections and links on their website. For example: Support — Community Kitchen Chicago
“You gotta have friends!”
II. Care For Friends
Our featured agency is “Care For Friends,” with a new northside location! Hope Pavich, the Executive Director, was nice enough to send us this info for use on StreetSense: history of their organization, their mission, location, hot meals, clinics, and other services. Thank you to Ms. Pavich for sharing!
The history of the agency is interesting indeed. According to Hope, “Care for Friends, this Chicago-based homeless services program, has temporarily moved to Edgewater after being in Lincoln Park for 54 years.”
What began as a response to the unrest of the 1968 Democratic Convention, has blossomed into a community of neighbors, partner organizations, volunteers, and guests communing in a “no questions asked” meal that sets the foundation of trust and understanding.
Our new address, based out of the Church of the Atonement, is 5749 N. Kenmore Avenue and we will continue to provide the same support as we did in the past: fundamental food, clothing and healthcare programs for individuals in Chicago experiencing or at risk of homelessness and food-insecurity.
Hot Meals at 10:30AM: Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
Free Screening Clinic at 10:30AM: 3rd Saturday of the month
Free Foot Care Clinic at 10:30AM: 4th Saturday of the month
Care For Friends also offers FREE healthcare services, clothing, pantry items, toiletries, and more!
More details on the move (and the exciting reason behind it!) are online at: https://www.careforfriends.org/cffmoves
Donate online at https://www.careforfriends.org/donate
For more information, please contact:
Hope Pavich, Executive Director
Phone: 773.932.1010
email: hope@careforfriends.org
web: www.CareForFriends.org
Please refer persons to the resources above. Volunteers are needed. Donations are needed. Together, we can all help persons who need hot meals, clothing, sack lunches, and medical help. It is through networks that so much assistance reaches those in need.