Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center

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The Chicago Lights Elam Davies Social Service Center (EDSSC) meets basic human needs while working with partner agencies to support persons on their journey toward greater stability and self-sufficiency. Chicago Lights Mission Statement: To provide hope and opportunity to our city's children, youth, and adults who face the challenge of poverty. Through supportive relationships and diverse programs, we empower people to thrive academically, secure economic stability, lead healthy lives, and build community

Validators

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… More

Jill

My job title is Volunteer Program Manager, which is doing everything that needs to be done.My work involves assisting our guests with Housing First, getting them linked with other programs, agencies or referrals so they can look to their futures. I also coordinate our volunteers in our center & … More

Cassandra

I am the Associate Director of Elam Davies Social Service center at Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago. My work involves supporting master level social work interns in providing comprehensive case management services to individuals and families. I also run the Open Doors Project which is a… More

Mackenzie

I am the Supportive Services Coordinator at the Elam Davies Social Service Center, a program of Chicago Lights. I work to manage all supportive services. I also coordinate the Consumer Choice Food Pantry and act as a Case Manager with a number of guests.

Patty

I serve as the Supportive Services Coordinator for the Elam Davies Social Service Center of Chicago Lights.

Jacob

I have served as a case management intern with Chicago Lights since August 2018. I am currently working to complete my Master of Social Work degree at Loyola University Chicago. I am deeply passionate about working to eliminate homelessness and poverty. I aspire to serve in key leadership roles in… More

Needs validated

$280of $280

Need funded!

8 supporters
Funded on 8/13/2013

Perry from Chicago, IL

I have my first place after 4 years of homelessness and I need furniture to get a good night's sleep

This is the first place I've ever had on my own, and I need a futon and other furniture so I don't have to sleep on the floor. More

Validated by Abby from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center

$15of $15

Need funded!

1 supporter
Funded on 10/19/2013

John from Chicago, IL

I'm getting my life back on track and I need a new state I.D. card to get started

I was homeless for 2 years & now that I have a home, I'm working towards finding a job & opening a bank account. A new state I.D. is the first step! More

Validated by Jackie from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center

$335of $335

Need funded!

7 supporters
Funded on 12/3/2013

Lenise from Chicago, IL

I'm finally housed and will be going to college in January. I need household items for my apartment

I just moved into my own apartment & I need a mini fridge, lamp, bedspread, and other household items. Then I can focus on getting my nursing degree. More

Validated by Jill from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center

$290of $255

Need funded!

9 supporters
Funded on 1/8/2014

Mitchell from Chicago, IL

I'm a dad newly housed after 5 yrs of homelessness; I need the basics to further my self-sufficiency

Now that I have a safe place to live, I can start working towards my goals: education & employment. I need furniture & kitchenware to move forward. More

Validated by Abby from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center

$355of $335

Need funded!

9 supporters
Funded on 2/10/2014

Kenneth from Chicago, IL

I just moved into my first apartment in 10 years! I need household items and cleaning supplies

I need bedding, kitchen items, and cleaning supplies to live comfortably and to keep my new apartment clean. It will help me make my apartment a home. More

Validated by Jackie from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center

$20of $20

Need funded!

1 supporter
Funded on 4/8/2014

Willie T from Chicago, IL

Actively moving my life forward. I need my birth certificate to take the next steps.

My wallet, which contained my birth certificate and ID, was stolen. To find work and pursue my goals, I need a new copy of my birth certificate! More

Validated by Maddie from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center

$131of $130

Need funded!

6 supporters
Funded on 7/28/2014

Sue from Chicago, IL

My son & I are starting fresh! We need basics for our home to launch forward.

My goal is to get my GED. Knowing that my son has a bed and other basics - a place to call home - will help me focus on my education! More

Validated by Jackie from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center

$560of $560

Need funded!

12 supporters
Funded on 7/8/2014

Gary from Chicago, IL

Proudly transitioned from homelessness; I need basic household items for stability.

I was homeless for over 2 years. Essential household items will allow me to call this new place home, move forward and feel like a whole person again. More

Validated by Jackie from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center

$20of $20

Need funded!

1 supporter
Funded on 5/8/2014

Kenard from Chicago, IL

Working hard to move forward! I need my birth certificate to find a job and housing.

Obtaining a copy of my birth certificate is a critical step on my way towards employment and stable housing! More

Validated by Addie from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center

$371of $370

Need funded!

9 supporters
Funded on 7/16/2014

Debbie from Chicago, IL

Just moved into an apartment after years of homelessness! I need household basics.

I'm excited to begin to get my life back on track. I need basic furniture and household items for my apartment to sleep well and feel at home. More

Validated by Reagan from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center

$405of $400

Need funded!

9 supporters
Funded on 9/29/2015

Teresa from Chicago, IL

I'm excited to be back on my feet! A bed will get me off the floor & ready for work.

I just moved into my apartment after several difficult years. To feel rested, healthy and ready for work, I need a bed! More

Validated by Jackie from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center

$230of $225

Need funded!

3 supporters
Funded on 11/23/2015

Ricky from Chicago, IL

Getting back on my feet! A TV will help me manage stress & keep moving to my goals.

I'm living on my own for the first time since being in recovery. A TV will help me make it through my 1st winter clean and on my own. More

Validated by Cassandra from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center

$450of $450

Need funded!

5 supporters
Funded on 12/12/2014

Kellie from Chicago, IL

I'm staying with family friends & need bedding items to sleep comfortably

My son and I need 2 futons, 2 small space heaters, and bedding to keep us warm this winter. Our air mattresses have punctured so we need new bedding. More

Validated by Jackie from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center

$95of $90

Need funded!

5 supporters
Funded on 11/13/2014

George from Chicago, IL

Left homelessness! I need basic household items to prepare for self-sufficiency.

I'm proud to have overcome 22 years of homelessness! I need help with basic household items to get me started and help me prioritize my job search. More

Validated by Abby from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center

$375of $375

Need funded!

10 supporters
Funded on 12/31/2014

Charles from Chicago, IL

I finally have a home! I can pay the rent but need help getting furniture.

Lost my job & home in the economic downturn & kept afloat w/ temp and part-time work. Now I'm housed again and ready to furnish my apartment. More

Validated by Abby from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center

$90of $75

Need funded!

3 supporters
Funded on 5/30/2014

Johnny from Chicago, IL

Proud to be housed! One-time help with electric will enable me to maintain my home.

I've been housed for 4 yrs after 10 yrs of homelessness. Unforeseen expenses set me back. I need one-time help with electric to keep moving forward. More

Validated by Jackie from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center

$493of $475

Need funded!

12 supporters
Funded on 1/6/2015

Milton from Chicago, IL

I'm excited to have a space to call home! I need furniture for my new apartment.

I was homeless for 4 years and I've finally gotten my own apartment! It's empty, so I need some kitchen and bedroom furniture to make it a home. More

Validated by Jackie from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center

$161of $140

Need funded!

7 supporters
Funded on 7/8/2014

Louise from Chicago, IL

I am a retired senior just in need of a bed to rest comfortably.

I have been sleeping in a chair until now because of my limited budget. A bed is what I need to get a good night's rest. More

Validated by Jill from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center

$250of $250

Need funded!

3 supporters
Funded on 2/23/2015

Umar from Chicago, IL

Homeless for 20 years, but now I'm finally getting housing. I need a bed to sleep on.

I couldn't be more exciting about my new housing! I have a new outlook on life & am ready to find a job. A bed will get me proper rest. More

Validated by Abby from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center

$125of $250

Need funded!

5 supporters
Funded on 4/15/2015

Aaron from Chicago, IL

Getting a home for the first time in 20 years. I need a bed to sleep on.

I'm excited to have my own place so I can be stable. I'm looking forward to being independent! A bed will help me get proper rest. More

Validated by Reagan from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center

$140of $200

Need funded!

3 supporters
Funded on 7/23/2015

Spotty from Chicago, IL

I'm a 57 year old retired dock worker. A couch & table will make my new apt a home.

I'm very excited to be living in my own place. I used to live in an SRO where I couldn't have much furniture but now I have more room. More

Validated by Abby from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center

$135of $470

Need funded!

2 supporters
Funded on 7/30/2015

Ricky from Chicago, IL

I'm so happy to be housed after 4 years of homelessness! I need to furnish my new apt

I'm working with a supportive housing agency but they don't have the funds for furniture. I only have a bed and a table, so I need other furniture. More

Validated by Jackie from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center

$420of $358

Need funded!

5 supporters
Funded on 8/21/2014

Kenard from Chicago, IL

From homelessness to housed & employed! A bed will help me rest for work.

After 15 years of homelessness, I have finally turned my life around and am now staying with family. A bed and frame will help me as I move forward. More

Validated by Jackie from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center

$200of $350

Need funded!

3 supporters
Funded on 9/15/2015

Dwayne from Chicago, IL

I'm looking for work. A bed will help me get the sleep I need to move forward!

I'm on the other side of 10 years of homelessness! I'm eager to find a job and know that I need to be rested to do so! I need a bed! More

Validated by Jackie from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center

$200of $200

Need funded!

1 supporter
Funded on 8/17/2015

Stephen from Chicago, IL

Housed after more than 10 yrs of homelessness! I need a bed to be healthy and stable.

My goal is to find employment in food services. Having a bed will be huge as I develop stability in my new home! More

Validated by Jill from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center

$700of $700

Need funded!

3 supporters
Funded on 11/24/2015

Cassandra from Chicago, IL

Finishing my degree & raising my kids! We need furniture to make a home.

I recently secured a job and am finishing my Bachelor's in Business. I'm ready to make a home for my kids. We need furniture! More

Validated by Jackie from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center

$250of $250

Need funded!

3 supporters
Funded on 12/2/2015

Andre from Chicago, IL

My goal is to live independently! I need household basics to make it happen.

I just moved into an apartment! Having basic supplies like cooking gear & linens will allow me to focus on other expenses like transportation to work More

Validated by Cassandra from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center

$505of $500

Need funded!

6 supporters
Funded on 1/9/2016

Craig from Chicago, IL

Newly housed & searching for work. A bed will help me start each day rested & ready!

Having a bed will allow me to function better during the day and be more successful on my job search because I'll be well rested and healthy. More

Validated by Cassandra from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center

$405of $400

Need funded!

11 supporters
Funded on 3/17/2016

Lawrence from Chicago, IL

Proud to have overcome 13 yrs of homelessness! Help me make my new space a home.

I recently moved into my new place. I need household items such as furniture, sheets, cooking items and bathroom necessities. More

Validated by Jackie from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center

$425of $400

Need funded!

9 supporters
Funded on 11/14/2016

Rita from Chicago, IL

My daughter & I finally found housing! With furniture, we can make our new space a home.

I hope to become closer with my daughter by being a family that eats together like when I was growing up. More

Validated by Cassandra from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center

$500of $500

Need funded!

4 supporters
Funded on 12/19/2016

Janice from Chicago, Illinois

I'm on my path out of homelessness! A sofa & table will make my new space functional.

I have been confined to a wheelchair after suffering from burns. Basic furniture will allow me to heal. More

Validated by Jackie from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center

$500of $500

Need funded!

11 supporters
Funded on 2/12/2017

Donna from Chicago, IL

I'm overcoming mental illness. A safe, comfortable bed will help me move forward.

A new bed will help me begin to live life as it should be lived: by spending time with friends and family. More

Validated by Jackie from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center

$305of $305

Need funded!

8 supporters
Funded on 6/16/2017

Edward from Chicago, Illinois

Veteran on the way out of homelessness. I need basic furniture for my new apartment!

I am so grateful for my new apartment. Meeting this need will help me get back to being functional and stable. More

Validated by Jackie from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center

$600of $600

Need funded!

6 supporters
Funded on 10/15/2017

Sonja from Chicago, IL

I'm disabled & working toward my degree. Household essentials will allow me to thrive

I need a futon bed as well as other household furnishing including: cookware, lamps and other items to begin my new in my new apartment. More

Validated by Patty from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center

$520of $500

Need funded!

7 supporters
Funded on 12/18/2017

Mona from Chicago, IL

Recently housed and getting back on my feet. I need basic household items to thrive.

Basic items such as kitchenware and bedding will help me feel at home and build stability in my new apartment. More

Validated by Cassandra from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center

$400of $400

Need funded!

8 supporters
Funded on 2/13/2018

Lucy from Chicago, IL

Recently housed. With a few basic household items, I can finally feel at home in my new space.

I need some basic household items and furniture will give me a comfortable place to rest and build stability. More

Validated by Cassandra from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center

$455of $450

Need funded!

10 supporters
Funded on 12/26/2017

Kenneth from Chicago, IL

Bed bugs destroyed my furniture. With your help, I can have a bed to sleep on again.

I'm currently sleeping on the floor, and can't wait to have my own bed again. More

Validated by Jackie from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center

$280of $600

Need funded!

9 supporters
Funded on 11/2/2018

Stanley from Chicago, IL

I have moved into my own place after 10 years! I need furniture to make it a home.

My new apartment needs basic furnishings so that I can feel at home and keep building stability. More

Validated by Patty from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center

$280of $450

Need funded!

8 supporters
Funded on 10/8/2018

Stephen from Chicago, IL

I have found housing! Need some essential items to make my new apartment a home.

I need some basic household items like furniture, linens, kitchenware to make my new apartment comfortable and feel like home. More

Validated by Cassandra from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center

$380of $450

Need funded!

6 supporters
Funded on 11/26/2018

Frances from Chicago, IL

Basic household items will help me and my daughter thrive.

I need some basic household essentials like towels, cleaning supplies, linens and dishes in order to make a sanctuary for myself and my daughter. More

Validated by Cassandra from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center

$250of $250

Need funded!

4 supporters
Funded on 12/17/2018

Sylvia from Chicago, Illinois

I'm a senior who recently found housing! A bed will bring me a healthy night's sleep.

Since I moved into my apartment, I have been sleeping on my couch. I'm in need of a bed and some bedding to get a healthy night's rest. More

Validated by Jill from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center