Updates
Jackie, Kenneth's validator, says thank you: Feb 11, 2014
Thank you to all those who helped fund Kenneth's need! I just shared the good news with him over the phone, while he was cleaning and preparing his apartment for his final housing inspection. The housing staff noticed he's been doing such a great job of keeping his home clean that they won't have to continue regular check-ins. Your generosity will help Kenneth maintain his clean apartment, and assist him with his future employment and education goals. He was thrilled to hear the exciting news!
Chicago Lights just sent us an update on Kenneth! Check it out: Feb 7, 2014
Jackie, Kenneth's validator, shared some exciting news with us:
Kenneth is still in need of some household items/cleaning supplies, but he's acquired some items through his housing program case manager since moving in. Our plan is to still get him some of the items he still needs, but also provide him assistance to obtain his RAP sheet (he's been looking for work and needs to do a background check), and possibly some transportation passes since his housing program isn't providing him with anything.
**Due to Jackie's update, we've been able to reduce the cost of Kenneth's need to $335!
Overview
I need household items and cleaning/cooking supplies for my new apartment. This includes bedding and linens, pots/pans, a microwave or toaster oven, silverware, measuring cups/spoons, dish towels, dishwashing detergent, shower curtain/rings/liner, bathroom cleaning supplies, general cleaning supplies such as mop/bucket, garbage can/bags, laundry basket/detergent, broom and dust pan.
Meeting this need will help me because it will relieve some stress from making my new home feel comfortable. I still feel restless and have a lot of headaches because I can't clean my apartment properly without certain supplies. My supportive housing agency will conduct home visits to make sure I'm taking care of my apartment and I want to show them I have the ability to do so.
My current situation is I just moved into my own apartment after experiencing homelessness for 10 years in Chicago. I don't have any income right now, but my supportive housing service agency helped me locate an apartment and gave me the basic furniture I needed. Right now, I only have a bed, comforter, dresser, kitchen table, and kitchen chairs. It's really frustrating to have to ask for these items right now, but I'm very appreciate of anything anyone can give to help me make my apartment my new home.
My goal is to either go back to school or look for a job. I'd really like to get my GED and maybe take some psychology courses.
I'm happiest when everything and everyone else around me is happy. I'm most proud of being in a position to have a new apartment and not struggle with homelessness. I get along with others and I'm an easy-going person. I have a lot of friends from church that I enjoy seeing every week.
I had to learn a lot of my life struggles on my own, and I'd like to share that information and advice with other people to help them to the best of my ability. I know I can even help people who may have more than me, because sometimes I might know something they don't, or be able to offer help that they need.
I'm from Gulfport, Mississippi. I live on the South Side of Chicago. Something interesting about me is I like reading urban novels.
Need funded!
Thank you for helping Kenneth fund this need.
9 supporters
This need has been validated by Jackie from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center
Recent supporters
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Validated
Validated by Jackie from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center (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 Kenneth used to attend a soup kitchen I coordinated a few years ago. Kenneth has received food and clothing services from the EDSSC for several years during his time experiencing homelessness.
I think meeting this need is important because Kenneth has struggled with homelessness for 10 years. Now that he has a place to call home, he is determined to take care of it and succeed even more. He shared that it's difficult to have this new responsibility, but he is so thrilled to have a safe and quiet space all to himself. Having these basic household items and cooking/cleaning supplies will help Kenneth maintain a comfortable home and allow him to focus on furthering his education and work background, rather than worrying about how to maintain a clean and safe apartment.
He was in disbelief when I told him he was selected for supportive housing, all because he happened to come in for a CityPak and sign up for Chicago's Central Referral System housing database. He had given up hope on ever becoming housed and when I shared the news with him, he was shocked that his wish was finally coming true. Kenneth is very outgoing and energetic. He is so excited about his new home, and fulfilling this need will help him to maintain a stable residence so he can focus on future goals, and continue to give back to others in need.
About Jackie
My job title is Director of the Elam Davies Social Service Center, and I have been in this position since December 2014.My work involves executing the vision for the Elam Davies Social Service Center by building relationships with and providing services for men, women, and families who are in need… Read more