It's 1 AM as I'm writing this and I just might be insane, but I don't think so. Was getting my things together ready to head to bed while on the phone tonight and I noticed a man on the street. Homeless, sleeping on the sidewalk across from my building. I observed him for a moment. Hidden beneath his coat, a black trash bag sitting next to him. It's not completely rare to see homeless in the city of Chicago, but I just felt drawn to get my butt out of the apartment and over there to give him something. My full size bed is directly parallel to the concrete he sleeps on. I noticed people turn their head at him while walking and just pass on. Has that passerby been me before? Yup. But... in my own words from my own last posting, when's enough enough? If we feel an inclination for aid, why hold ourselves back? Move.
I grabbed some food in my cupboards, bagged 'em up, took a couple bills and headed out to him. He was surely passed out in a deep sleep. Black bags probably holding liquor bottles. Ok. I left the food next to his bag and the money in a cup next to his head. His head -- soft black curls rested on the filthy concrete. Next option. Go back inside or learn about where he might be able to sleep at night. I'm tired, but whatever. Walk over to the YMCA around the corner. Probably a drag for some people to live by... for me it's an honor on this night. Go in to the building where "so many drunks and drug dealers live".... well, we've more to learn and less to judge. I'm almost certain it's regular housing residents rent annually... yes, it is, the kind woman informs me. "Can you give me info. on shelters please?" She can't, but the residents do. Walk outside where a few of them are smoking. They're kind. They help. "There's a shelter on Roosevelt. CCIL. Give it a shot."
Walk home. Google. CCIL. call. "How would it work to bring someone in?" Well... they can't come in one night, especially this late. They must go to 10 S. Kedzie, Apartment and Unit Services, ask for a Referral Letter for CCIL. Questions will be asked. Answers will be given. Truths will be told and probably lies as well. If on parole or probation, they are likely to be taken in right away. Then, they can hopefully have a room that following night. If one has a larger drug/alcohol problem, they may be more likely to be taken in because they need more help. Surprising? Interesting. Good. I'm glad to have learned. "You with a Church?" Nope. "Just doing this?" Yup. CCIL - 2750 W. Roosevelt Rd. -- Roosevelt and California. Go with a referral letter.
I'm informed that CCIL has a school, classes, they can find them employment, they can live there, save money while working, maybe qualify for section 8 housing.
They have to want to help themselves? Yes. We can also lend a hand of guidance and kindness as well? Yes. It's possible that one night of help could remain as only one night of help? Yes. Still worth it? Yes.
Homeless shelters where they can be taken in right away? They must arrive before 7:00 PM and must most likely leave at 5:00 AM.
Could not give him a room tonight. Sorry, God. And thank you, God, for allowing me to learn more.
Let's learn more. Thanks for being here. CCIL: http://www.ccilworks.org/
Forgive my lack of eloquence - 1 AM. We've much to learn and more to give. More on Africa soon. God bless and thank you!
Find a shelter here: Shelters in Chicago
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