Updates
We have exciting news about Fred! Mar 20, 2014
Fred's validator at Common Pantry, Caitlin, just informed us that Fred has found a full-time job and is doing quite well! CONGRATULATIONS, Fred!
Thank you to everyone who helped Fred get the bus passes + one month's rent to make this happen.
Check out what Caitlin, Fred's validator, has to say: Jan 23, 2014
Since Fred's need was met on Benevolent, he was able to pay his rent and purchase a Ventra pass in order to help him with his job search. Fred has been busy continuing his search for employment, and he is able to do so because he no longer has the stress of keeping his apartment or trying to navigate the Chicago streets in subzero temperatures.
I am so grateful for everyone that donated towards Fred's need. Having his need met was such a triumph for him and it proved to him that people care. I am so fortunate to have been able to be a part of Fred's journey, and I am extremely grateful for the Benevolent community for showing Fred that we support him.
A big, warm THANK YOU to all who helped Fred!
We just got a thank you from Fred! Jan 2, 2014
Fred just sent us this thank you message:
I want to thank the Benevolent Team for their donations, which will help me keep my place and work toward my CNA certificate. The CNA certificate will help me become more marketable in the workplace and the bus pass will get me to the interviews. From the bottom of my heart I want to thank every member of the Benevolent Team for their unselfish act of charity. Thank you, Fred
Overview
I need help to pay my rent this month and to buy a bus pass to attend job interviews and to help me until I get my first paycheck. Meeting this need will help me because I have been homeless in the past and am grateful to feel safe in my home. I don’t want to lose it. I have been diligently searching for work but have not been able to travel much beyond my walking zone. I would be happy to take any kind of job. I enjoy working with people and have computer and customer service skills.
My current situation is I have been out of work for two months. My last job become too physically demanding and I could not stay there. I was working in a cooler for 8 hours a day. My fingers swelled up and I developed constant back pain. I am happy to do my best but I couldn’t stay there any longer. I felt really bad because I was so happy to get the job after being out of work for a year.
I am currently living in CHA subsidized housing using my VA benefits, but that doesn’t cover the entire rent or utilities. I have been homeless in the past and am grateful to feel safe in my home. I don’t want to lose it. I have been diligently searching for work but have not been able to travel much beyond my walking zone. I would be happy to take any kind of job. I enjoy working with people and have computer and customer service skills.
I have training in the medical field, but have not had enough money to pay for the certified state exams.
I'm most proud of my service to the USA. I'm a veteran, having served in the medical field in the U.S. Army for 6 years in the late 1980s.
I'm from Chicago. I have been homeless in the past and now I live in CHA subsidized housing using my VA benefits, but that doesn't cover the entire rent.
I'm happiest when I'm working.
Need funded!
Thank you for helping Fred fund this need.
8 supporters
This need has been validated by Caitlin from Common Pantry
Recent supporters
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Validated
Validated by Caitlin from Common Pantry (What does this mean?)
Each need is validated by a nonprofit that knows the person and can verify that the help is necessary. Funds flow from Benevolent to the nonprofit, which then gets them to the person in need and lets us know how it went.
Learn more »We met when Fred visited the Common Pantry three weeks ago. He explained his situation to me and I told him to come back the following week to work on his issues. Fred followed up and I've been working closely with him to find a job and give him the extra boost he needs. He explained his one-time problem with his rent, and I knew Benevolent would be a great solution.
I think meeting this need is important because Fred is an honest, hard-working person who has found himself in a tough spot this month. He wants so badly for people to believe in him and to be able to take care of himself without the help of others. He has spent years of his life serving his country and I think it is important that we show Fred that we are as dedicated to helping others as he is.
Fred has prided himself on always being self-sufficient. However, this month, due to unforeseen circumstances, Fred is unable to make his monthly rent payment. Fred has been homeless before, and doesn't want to lose the apartment he's worked so hard to get, simply because he is unable to fully pay his rent for one month. He needs one-time assistance to keep his apartment.
About Caitlin
My job title is Program Manager. My work involves working with low-income clients to find resources for their problems. What I like about my job is I love working with people and helping them find solutions.