Land of the Lost Souls

There are many reasons I enjoy working at the Lincoln Park Community Shelter, but I think they all stem from one of our founding philosophies: community. A lot of effort is put into creating community between guests, between guests and staff, between guests and volunteers, between staff and volunteers, and between staff. Sometimes this is facilitated very intentionally, through things such as Community Meetings, where all of the guests come together to talk about the shelter and what things they can do or change to help each other through this transitional time in their lives. Other times this is done more organically, through the informal conversations between people in the kitchen or community room throughout the day.

One of the intentional ways in which the staff not only works to build community with themselves, but also works to better their understandings of the guests and their varied situations, is through our staff Book Club. Beginning this year, we have read books focused on alcoholism, suicide, and homelessness.

The last book we read was Land of the Lost Souls: My Life on the Streets, by Cadillac Man, which chronicles some of his time experiencing homelessness in New York City. The book was interesting in almost an infinite number of ways, but there were some things that stood out most, and were a big part of the discussion we had.

One of the main questions we had was about Cadillac Man's transition from being housed to homeless. He tells readers that before "Cadillac Man" started living on the streets, he lived in a home with his wife and daughter. He had a steady job at a meat market, but when things went under, he was eventually let go. His wife started working, and was supporting them both. He believed that his wife was ashamed of him, and thus, he was ashamed of himself. He acknowledges that he could have gotten a part-time or low paying job, such as working at McDonald’s or Burger King, but that he felt it would have been equally shameful.  Eventually he decided he didn’t deserve to stay, and he left. Since the book is written entirely from his perspective, we all wondered what factors other than shame contributed to his leaving. Was he depressed or experiencing some other type of mental health issue? Did his wife want him to leave, or was that just his interpretation of the situation? It is hard to say what really happened.

We also discussed how intelligent and resourceful Cadillac Man is throughout the book. He talks about the ways he stays warm in the winter (by stuffing newspaper and napkins into his clothing, to create insulation), the various first aid items he has (bandages and antiseptic), and how he earns money (through canning – recycling cans and bottles) and keeps it safe.

A big question we had in relation to our work at LPCS was whether or not Cadillac Man would utilize any of the services we offer. In the book he mentions taking sandwiches from an organization outside of a church, and the importance and rarity of showers, so we think that maybe he would attend our Saturday morning Community Engagement Program (CEP), for a hot breakfast, laundry, and a shower. We do not, however, think he would be interested in moving into LPCS and looking for a stable housing solution. A common theme throughout the book is his belief that he deserves to live on the streets and does not deserve a real home. That belief is one of the reasons why we questioned whether or not he was dealing with a mental illness, such as depression.

Overall, we all really enjoyed the book and the opportunity it gave us to understand another person’s situation. No matter how many people you meet or how many stories you learn, each person’s experience with homelessness is different, and the more you hear, the more you understand that. I would definitely suggest this book for anyone looking to gain more perspectives on homelessness and for a new way to engage with the issue.

If you are interested in seeing what other books are on the staff book club list, check out our Cause Reading List board on Pinterest (Note: you do not have to have a Pinterest account to be able to view).

--Elli Krandel, Volunteer Coordinator

Ramona's Story

Ramona

In October, supporters received a letter in the mail that told the story of Ramona, a guest at LPCS.  Romona had been homeless for four years, bouncing between drug treatment programs, family members, and overnight emergency shelters. Like many guests, Romona had seen her descent into homelessness as a wake-up call about her drug addiction. In her time on the streets she had worked hard to get - and remain - sober; no easy task when one's living arrangements are so unstable. When she came to LPCS, Romona was sober, but stuck - and ready to make a change.  Her story was one of perseverance and hope. During her seven months at the Lincoln Park Community Shelter, Romona was able to face her fears and insecurities, and gain the confidence and skills she needed to be successful. Just before the letter mailed, Romona moved into her own apartment.

But our work with Romona did not stop once she was no longer homeless. Since moving out, Romona has stayed in touch with her case manager and continued working toward her long-term goals with the support of the LPCS community. The housing program in which she lives offers fully subsidized rent, but she has been determined to take over the lease on her own. Since leaving LPCS, she enrolled in GED classes, was able to have her minor criminal record sealed, and continued attending extra classes and groups offered by her job training program.

Romona’s hard work has paid off! We’re proud to report that Romona is now working in housekeeping at a local nursing home near where she lives. We were honored to be one of her first calls with the good news, and will continue to support her as she works toward other life goals. Romona will forever be a part of the LPCS “family.”

Over the years, LPCS has worked hard to earn its reputation as a program where people who are at the end of their ropes – materially and emotionally – come to regain control of their lives. This is not simply a place to stay, but a place to change. Our approach is designed to empower and elevate guests during a time of crisis and desperation, when even they may not be capable of seeing their own potential.

Our programs rely on the generous financial and volunteer support of friends like you. We are constantly awed by the deep commitment of this community to our work and our guests. Thanks to a generous donor, any new or increased donations will be matched, up to $10,000!  Thank you for making a gift to the Lincoln Park Community Shelter today.

Many thanks,

Erin Ryan 

Executive Director

Experiencing a "Point in Time"

On a clear, chilly, January night, we piled into cars, armed with clipboards, flashlights, boxes of hats and gloves, and questions. Questions for homeless folks we would find on the street about demographics and their various needs.We drove around Chicago, peering out the car windows, searching for people to count and survey for the biannual “Point In Time” info gathering. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requires all cities seeking federal funding for homeless programs to conduct a count of the homeless population. This will estimate needed allocations for homeless services. Though counterintuitive, we had an incentive to find as many currently homeless people as possible. We wanted to gather the most accurate number, so that homeless folks aren’t “short changed” when it comes to allocating funding for our city. 

I was assigned to a portion of the Lincoln Park neighborhood, along with two other Point In Time volunteers. Dozens of volunteers gathered at headquarters around Chicago, and were dispatched all over the city, with the intent of surveying every square inch. My group and I weaved carefully through the pristine streets of Lincoln Park, filling our map with highlighter marks as we turned each corner. It felt ridiculous to be searching for homeless folks down streets lined with fancy cars perched in front of million dollar homes. I doubted that there would be much tolerance for people to be “loitering” on these streets, and I doubted that people who are homeless would feel comfortable on these streets anyway. Not surprisingly, we found one person; he was speedily wheeling a shopping cart down a busy street and preferred not to be surveyed.

Our count after 4 hours of searching: 1.  

Demographic info collected and warm winter clothing distributed: 0.

This was not what any of us novice Point In Time volunteers expected when we signed up weeks earlier. I had envisioned being on a street such as Lower Wacker, having worthwhile conversations with maybe 25 homeless individuals, collecting valuable info, distributing needed supplies. You know, like how it would be in a movie.

As we are constantly reminded in social service work: there is always more to the story. Are there a number of individuals sleeping outside in Lincoln Park who we missed? When other Northside counting groups reported similarly low numbers, can we be sure that our tally is anywhere near accurate? What made the man we encountered on Clybourn wary of interacting with us? Can he be reached with services? Does he want services? A most interesting question: does he need services? Can it be deduced that folks staying outside on a below zero night in January (presumed to be a time when only the “truly” homeless are out), are challenged with a mental illness? Is enough being done to care for our homeless neighbors? Should we care?

As we drove back to headquarters at 2am, we surmised whether or not we had just done a service or a disservice to the currently and future homeless. This was the major take-away for me. There are people currently feeling snug and secure in their houses who will become homeless. Will Chicago be prepared to serve them? 

 --Katie McNamara, Case Management Intern

A Taste of Fall A Success!

A HUGE thank you to everyone who helped make this year's A Taste of Fall a success!  Party-goers enjoyed the acoustic sounds of the Tony Bondi Project while they sipped on wine, beer, pepper-infused tequila, and the favorite of the night, "Rumchata".  In addition to an interesting mix of drinks, delicious food abounded!  Everything from artisan cheese to chocolate fondue to cupcakes and strudel were enjoyed by guests that night.  Some pretty intense bidding wars happened over a number of our unbelievable silent auction items.  Thanks to everyone you helped raise nearly $8,000 for LPCS programs! 

Thank you to all of our in-kind and financial sponsors, without you this event wouldn't have happened!

Cornerstone Sponsor:

Prosperity Sponsor:

Drink:

Agave Loco Brands

Goose Island Brewery

Lynfred Winery

Templeton Rye

Food:

Austrian Bakery & Deli

Cabot Creamery Cooperative

Geja’s Café

Harvest Arts Catering

Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine

Swirlz

Wells St. Popcorn

Music:

The Tony Bondi Project

Printing:

International Label & Printing Co., Inc.

Décor:

Daniel Stober

After working in homeless services for many years, I’ve come to see that homelessness is truly cyclical. Too many of our guests are trapped in a cycle of underemployment and precarious housing – 40% of guests last year had been homeless several times in their adult lives. Our programs are designed to break that cycle for good, by providing access to the resources that help overcome the barriers of poor health, low-paying jobs, and costly housing. In fact, more than 80% of those who graduate our programs – after connecting with health care and job training – remain stable in housing they can afford for more than six months.

We’re so encouraged by this statistic that this year we will start to measure the success of our graduates past the six-month mark, ensuring that they are able to maintain employment and housing for a year or more. Many LPCS graduates stay in contact with our staff for years after leaving our facility, maintaining some level of case management with our staff, attending groups or classes, or just stopping by for dinner; some even become volunteers. In fact, we’re able to stay in contact with 94% of graduates, a task made easier because of the strength of the relationships that are built while they are here. Each month, we make an effort to keep in touch with graduates through a printed newsletter, and simple phone calls or emails to check in. In doing this, we maintain a strong connection that continues to support people as they strike out on their own.

This outreach creates a new, positive “cycle” – one that gives back to current LPCS guests. You may remember the story of Dan, who was profiled in this newsletter about four years ago. At the time, he was working hard to stay sober, addressing some health concerns, and fighting for custody of his baby daughter, Jennifer. Skilled in the construction trades, he was unable to do heavy work until he received knee surgery, but couldn’t wait to pay the legal bills. He humbled himself and took a cash-paying job passing out flyers at intersections and around neighborhoods. Once healthy enough, Dan took off running, contracting himself out for small renovation jobs and building a base of customers. When he moved out of the LPCS into his own apartment, he had a room waiting for Jennifer.

Today, Dan owns his own booming construction business, and has done several jobs at LPCS! He helped to paint the entire facility during our renovation, donating his time and many supplies. He was married in 2007, and shortly thereafter he and his wife Tracy bought a house in Orland Park. Jennifer will turn five in June, and they are even expecting a new addition to their family soon!

Dan’s success is inspirational, of course, but even more so is his desire to give back to LPCS. He leads bi-weekly recovery groups for current guests. His hard work and good fortune have truly come full circle – as he is now in a position to hire our guests – to pass out flyers for his business, or as skilled laborers.

At LPCS, it is our goal to change the cycle of homelessness – from the hopeless cycle of poverty to the hopeful cycle of receiving and giving back, continuing to strengthen our community and the network of support that our guests and graduates need to become – and stay – successful.