Updates
An update from Jackie Aug 26, 2013
Stanley was thrilled when I shared the news about his need being funded, especially since he asked for an update the previous day! He has been picking up more regular shifts at work and can now commute to his job, using his paychecks toward rent expenses. Stanley is also looking for full-time employment, so these bus passes will assist him in commuting to future interviews. Thank you to everyone who generously donated to this need!
Overview
I need bus fare to get to and from work. This includes 3 30-day (month) CTA cards. My current situation is I started a new delivery job in June 2013 and I am having difficulty getting to and from work while trying to save money for rent and food expenses.
Meeting this need will help me because I will be able to save my paychecks to pay off past-due rental expenses and continue to pay rent in the future so I don’t have to go back to a shelter or live on the street. Having this assistance will reduce a lot of stress. I will be able to go to work on a regular basis and look for more employment opportunities and help me save toward my future needs.
My goal is to become self-sufficient. I’ve felt so happy having my own place to come home to every day, and I know not having to worry about bus fare will allow me to continue working and use my paychecks toward my rent and other expenses.
I want to get to the point where I can help someone else. That's what true achievement is in life, helping someone who is not as fortunate as you. Not necessarily because you have a lot to give, but because you want to see the joy on someone's face and in their heart.
Right now, my biggest challenge is not only getting to and from work every day, but also being able to make overdue payments on rent. I was homeless and living on the street from 2005-2012, when I was given the opportunity to receive rental assistance from an outreach program and live in an SRO. However, the outreach program ran out of funding and I now have to come up with four months of rental payments. I plan on using my employment checks to pay off my rental expenses in installments. Having 3 months worth of bus fare will allow me to get to and from work to earn enough to pay my rental expenses and continue to live in my apartment.
I’ve always been a hard worker and was previously employed as a truck driver. Now that I’m currently working with truck delivery services, I’d eventually like to reapply for my CDL. In order to do this, I have to budget and save money from my current paychecks to reapply for the CDL exam.
I think of myself mostly as a very proud father. My 13-year-old daughter is a princess and my 27-year-old son is gainfully employed in radio broadcasting. I would like to make them proud of me in return.
I'm most proud of the achievements that I've made. I've made some blunders in my life, but I am proud of what I've done so far.
I've worked at jobs including truck driving, construction, customer service, shipping & receiving and textile screen printing. I've learned from my customer service roles that there's nothing like seeing a happy customer.
Something interesting about me is my passion for music. I love to play the piano and sing.
Need funded!
Thank you for helping Stanley fund this need.
8 supporters
This need has been validated by Jackie from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center
Recent supporters
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- $135
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.
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I have known Stanley since August 2012, but he has been a guest of the EDSSC since 2005. Stanley participated in the Community Collaboration Project for 2012-13, regularly attending both individual and group case management sessions as he worked on goals related to employment, social support and more independent housing.
I think meeting this need is important because Stanley is very committed to his work and wants to use his current income toward his rent and utility expenses. Stanley was homeless for several years and when given the opportunity to live in an SRO, he continued to look for steady employment so he wouldn’t have to rely solely on programming funds. However, Stanley now has to come up with those funds on his own and hopes to continue at his current job so he can afford his monthly rent and stay in his home.
This will move the recipient's life forward by not only ensuring Stanley has a safe place to call home, but allowing him to continue gainful employment and budget his income toward living expenses and everyday needs. Stanley is committed to his journey toward self-sufficiency, and securing three months of public transportation access will allow him to get to and from work, maintain his employment, and further support his housing and personal needs.
Stanley was so appreciative of his current housing opportunity that he continued to work with his friends who did not receive the same opportunity. He connected them to social service agencies that could provide them with housing, employment and health resources. To this day, Stanley provides both friends and strangers with resources, food, encouragement and a smile to make someone’s day better.
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