Overview

I am a 48-year-old laborer currently working in the trucking industry. I've been homeless on and off for 7 years. When the economy got bad I lost my full-time employment position. Because of my many trade skills and certifications I have been able to find temporary labor positions, but never have been able to make enough to pay for a market-rate apartment in Chicago. I was recently pulled from CHA's waiting list after 8 years and have been approved to have my own apartment in over 10 years. I've been living in shelters and transitional housing programs since I lost my full-time position.

My goals are to find full-time employment again and to become a full contributing member of society. I am very excited about being able to finally have a place I can call my own and can call home. Having a safe place to stay will allow me to be able to continue looking for full-time positions and also continue working in temp labor.

I'm starting over and have been saving as much money as I can so I can buy myself a bed eventually. Until I have enough saved I would like to have a futon that can be used as a bed now, and a couch later. I'd also like to have a dresser, a kitchen table and chairs, and miscellaneous kitchen/cleaning supplies so I can cook for myself and also maintain a safe and clean living environment.

Meeting this need will help me because I am so close to being able to have a stable living environment. Regardless of the barriers I have hit over the years I have always been able to find work but just not enough for adequate housing. With this voucher I have a new beginning and I am so looking forward to becoming fully self-sufficient again.

Validated

Validated by Abby from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center (What does this mean?)

I first met Charles 3 years ago at a soup kitchen while I was recruiting individuals to participate in a job readiness case management program. Charles showed me very quickly that he had an incredible work ethic and drive to persevere and he wasn't going to let the barriers that had been thrown his way get in the way of his success. During the first few months of working with Charles he was able to secure multiple interviews and also a great seasonal position during the holidays. Since then he has continued to work with me on employment and housing goals and has finally secured the housing assistance he very much deserves. Charles is really excited about moving into this new apartment and I would really like to see him receive this help so he can make this his new home. This can signify a new beginning for Charles and anything you can do to help him would be greatly appreciated!

About Abby

My work as Associate Director involves helping individuals on their path toward self-sufficiency through the coordination of case management and supportive services. I enjoy working closely with individuals toward goal setting and achievement. Watching people's lives change because of resource… Read more