Jim from Chicago, IL

I'm on disability & moving to a new senior housing unit, but I need movers to get my things there

I was offered my first choice unit, but I'm on disability and can't afford to hire movers. This is the only thing standing between me and my new home.

Updates

Jim's in his new apartment! He says: Sep 10, 2013

I wanted to give an update since I moved into my new apartment yesterday. The move went okay and I helped the movers a little bit. I feel very happy that I am in my new apartment. Thank you so much for helping me.

Thanks from Jim: Sep 6, 2013

I am feeling very happy since I received the funding for the movers. When I first heard the news, I was shocked and speechless. I am especially happy to be moving into my new apartment and cannot wait for Monday when I can relax in my new place. I have been waiting a very long time for this. My goal is always to try and help others when I can so I am extremely grateful for the help that I received from you.

Thank you message from Martha: Sep 6, 2013

I could not believe how quickly Jim's need got funded through Benevolent! It was an amazing experience and an incredible feeling to know that Jim would have the means to move into his new apartment. He is extremely grateful and feels that he can finally begin to feel excited about moving into his new place since this funding has made that a reality. We have hired reliable movers and Jim will be able to relax in his new apartment on Monday. None of this would have been possible without the help of 9 incredibly generous individuals, and of course Benevolent!

Overview

I need money to pay movers to move my belongings into my new apartment. The money will go to pay for two people to move my belongings in a truck for two hours.

I am currently living in subsidized senior housing in Chicago but have been very unhappy with the unit I am staying in. I have applied to countless other subsidized buildings and have been on several waiting lists for these units for years. I have recently been offered a studio apartment that I have been on the waiting list for for a very long time. However, I receive assistance for a documented disability but those funds are going to pay the rent and security deposit on my new apartment. Therefore, I do not have any funds to pay people to help me move. If I am not able to get my belongings into my new apartment on my move-in day, I will lose the unit.

Meeting this need will be a great help to me because it will mean that I am able to move into my new apartment and that I will have a good place to live. It will also mean that I no longer have to put my name on countless waiting lists to receive a subsidized apartment.

My goal is to maintain stable housing and to be able to live independently in a comfortable and supportive environment.

I have completed over 15 applications for subsidized senior housing and I finally was offered an opportunity to move into my first choice apartment. The only thing standing between me and my new home is this fee to hire movers.

I'm from Pontiac, Mississippi but moved to Chicago about 50 years ago because my grandfather believed that I should try something new.

I have three children, two boys and one girl. They are all grown up now and although I do not speak to them very often I care about them very much and am always thinking of them. My wife passed away 10 years ago and I miss her constantly. I have a big picture of her in my apartment that I look at everyday. I live alone on the West Side of Chicago.

Something interesting about me is that I am a great dancer and I love to fish!

I will be happiest when I move into my new apartment.

I'm most proud of the fact that I am always trying to do my best, even if things don't always work out.

I love to fish, dance, and ride my bike to stay active. I am an extremely happy and positive person, although I have also experience very hard times. It was easier for me when my wife was around and I always had someone to talk to and get through the harder times with.

Need funded!

Thank you for helping Jim fund this need.

$205of $205

Need funded!

9 supporters

Validated

This need has been validated by Martha from LIFT-Chicago

Recent supporters

  1. $10
  2. $25
  3. $10
  4. $10
  5. $5
  6. $100
  7. $10
  8. $10
  9. $25

Validated

Validated by Martha from LIFT-Chicago (What does this mean?)

We met when I first started working for LIFT, 8 months ago. Jim comes in every week to get assistance completing applications for subsidized housing. He is an extremely positive person and attends every event that LIFT hosts, from employment workshops to community picnics.

I think meeting this need is important because Jim has been searching for a subsidized unit for several years and being able to move into this apartment would ensure his happiness and overall stability. Without this assistance, Jim will go back on the waiting list and it could be another year or longer before he is offered another apartment.

Jim brightens everyone's day as soon as he enters the LIFT office. Every volunteer and staff member knows him for his extreme positivity and his infectious smile. Simply being around Jim makes everyone in the office smile. He is a staple at all LIFT workshops and events and is very dedicated to his work with our organization.

About Martha

I am a second-year masters student at the University of Chicago's School of Social Service Administration. I have been working with LIFT since January of 2013. I first started with LIFT as an intern completing the field requirement for my master's program in social work. This summer, I have… Read more