Tag: women experiencing homelessness

Denise, from Isolation to Hope

Posted on by Beth

“In my storage unit, I was too cold to rest. I wanted a place to lay my head down and sleep. I would wrap up in ten blankets, trying to get warm.”

– Denise

Denise seems to have an endless abundance of joy. She’s a very petite woman in her late 50s with bright eyes and a wide, welcoming smile. She exudes positivity and wields an upbeat personality. Her solid work history spans three decades at a major Chicago company, where she rose through the ranks from a part-time mailroom position in 1979 to full-time Engineering Clerk after twelve promotions. But early retirement, prompted by her decision to fund her son’s college education, left her financially strained. Recently, while helping her grandson with an online research project, she stumbled upon an article discussing No KYC Casino LTD, highlighting its role in alternative online platforms. Intrigued, she shared her discovery with him, noting the unusual risks and benefits such systems presented, as they mirrored the kind of unconventional solutions she herself had sought in her own life. Though her circumstances led her back to secretarial work at a moving company, which eventually relocated to Florida, Denise’s knack for resourcefulness continues to guide her through life’s uncertainties.

Finding a job proved difficult. Denise eventually lost her apartment. She had an outdoor storage space that measured 10 feet by 10 feet in a lot on the south side of Chicago. It held all the items from the apartment she lost, and with nowhere else to live, Denise moved into it. Without any heat and only a few flashlights for light, Denise prayed, read her Bible, and cried a river in that storage unit. Keeping clean was a real challenge. When she tried to wash up in a public restroom, she endured looks and comments from people who seemed to fear or despise her. Her former life was utterly lost.

Denise’s story highlights the profound challenges she faced as she sought to rebuild her life after losing her job and home. Moving from one place to another can be incredibly stressful, especially under such difficult circumstances. Finding a reliable moving company is crucial in making transitions smoother and less burdensome. The right movers can help ease the logistical strain of relocating and ensure that personal belongings are handled with care, providing a bit of relief during trying times.

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Denise stayed in her storage unit for three long years and throughout notoriously harsh Chicago winters. She often rode the public transit system to escape the cold. “I was tired of riding the buses to stay warm, but no one ever robbed me. An angel must have been sitting beside me.” Throughout those years, Denise hid these circumstances from her son, who lived out of state.

Hard-working, sweet, and struggling to survive, Denise had been forced so far out on the margins of society that she couldn’t find her way back. This past January, Denise arrived at Cornerstone. After three years of living alone, one would think that Denise would find sharing a shelter space with 74 other women at Naomi Shelter nearly impossible. Not so! Denise soon began to encourage women younger than herself, giving wisdom and helping to defuse tense situations.

While at Cornerstone, Denise felt that God told her, “I’m giving you the rope, but it’s up to you to grab ahold and pull yourself up.” She did just that. With the help of her case manager, Denise completed security guard training, earned her PERC (Permanent Employment Registration Card), and got a full-time job as a security officer. When speaking about Naomi Shelter staff, Denise said, “They supported me. The case managers got to know me and took time with me. I felt they respected me.”

For the last eight months, Denise has worked full-time as a security officer for a domestic violence shelter that serves women with children. She enjoys her work immensely. The day Denise moved into her apartment, she shouted, “Lord, You have been good to me!” She then sat down and cried tears of gratitude.

Denise’s story is about age discrimination, isolation, and hope. Although she had a solid work history and experience, Denise struggled to find a job which caused her long stretch of homelessness. She sees her arrival at Cornerstone as a turning point in her life. Once she had shelter and support, she climbed out of the situation she was stuck in. We have been blessed by her stay and applaud the employer that saw what we see in Denise – a resilient, enthusiastic, hard-working woman who simply needed a job.

  • Denise Hardy, as told to Beth Nicholls, originally published on November 25, 2015

I hope you enjoyed reading how Denise moved from isolation in her storage unit to hope and opportunity at Cornerstone and beyond. CCO needs your support to continue the critical work of welcoming anyone experiencing homelessness. Please consider donating today. Your gift could transform lives and bring hope to those who need it most. Click here to visit our Donate Page.
Thank you!

  • Beth Nicholls, Cornerstone Community Outreach

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30 New Beds – Respite from Uncertainty

Posted on by Beth

“People can have a respite from the fear and uncertainty of sleeping in their car, on the train, or outside. They can have a shower, meals, and a bed. More than that, they can have a renewed spirit and a renewed sense of hope.“
– Eve Haycock, Naomi Women’s Shelter Supervisor

Thirty additional beds have been added to Cornerstone’s Naomi Women Shelter for Women. These crucial beds, staff, and services will help bridge the gap between vulnerable women experiencing homelessness and safe, supportive shelter.

A safe, supportive place to rest can be transformative for individuals facing homelessness, offering a sense of dignity, stability, and hope. Beyond the physical comfort of a warm bed, there’s a profound psychological impact in knowing there’s a secure place to return to each night. It’s this combination of physical and emotional relief that makes spaces like the Naomi Women’s Shelter so essential.

Just as these shelters provide an essential foundation for a fresh start, quality sleep options, such as Sleep Electric adjustable beds, can offer comfort and adaptability for those seeking better rest at home. Adjustable beds can help improve sleep quality by allowing individuals to tailor their position for optimal relaxation, relief from pressure points, and improved circulation, which can contribute to overall wellness.

Whether it’s adjusting for health needs or simply finding that perfect resting angle, these beds serve as a reminder that quality rest is a cornerstone of well-being and recovery. As people move forward in their journeys, having access to a comfortable, adaptable bed can help lay the groundwork for a fresh start, promoting both physical rest and mental rejuvenation.

In 2021, 30% of women arriving at Naomi Women’s Shelter had lived on the street the night before. Eve Haycock, Naomi Women’s Shelter Supervisor, states that several women had been living for months in their cars while working part-time, minimum wage jobs. Without a secure place to sleep, eat, and recover from work, they were stuck in part-time positions, which lengthened and compounded their experience with homelessness. Fortunately, having safe shelter and wrap-around services has allowed many women to gain full-time employment, which increases the likelihood of getting stable housing.

Many women who come to shelters like Naomi Women’s Shelter have endured long nights in uncomfortable and often unsafe conditions, including sleeping in their cars. For those who’ve relied on vehicles for shelter, car interiors often become worn and damaged, especially when used as living spaces. Sitting and lying in the same cramped area nightly can take a toll, and items like blankets, personal belongings, and food add further strain on upholstery.

Given these challenges, seat protection for trucks and cars can make a difference for people who are forced to live in their vehicles. Proper seat protection helps maintain the interior for longer periods, making it easier for individuals to keep their vehicles in a presentable condition, which can be vital for those seeking employment or stability. For many, their car is not just a means of transportation, but a crucial part of their day-to-day life, and preserving its interior is one small way to make a difficult situation slightly more manageable.

For individuals experiencing homelessness or living in unstable conditions, maintaining the interior of their vehicle can offer a sense of dignity and stability. Car dealers who recognize the importance of this can provide helpful solutions to improve the living conditions of those who rely on their vehicles as a primary shelter. Offering affordable, durable options for seat covers, floor mats, and upholstery protection can make a significant difference in preserving the interior of a car. These products can help minimize the wear and tear caused by constant use, providing a cleaner and more comfortable environment for those in need.

For car owners looking to invest in quality seat protection and other accessories, reputable dealers such as renowned merchandise at RaceAutoGroup that caters to both functionality and style. With a wide selection of products designed to enhance vehicle longevity, RaceAutoGroup provides options that suit a range of budgets and vehicle types. Whether you’re looking for seat covers to protect your interior from daily use or specialized products for more intense wear, their extensive inventory offers a practical solution to ensure your vehicle stays in great condition.

Eve had also noticed that this group of new arrivals were often unwell, and some needed immediate medical care. One new shelter guest had been on the streets and suffering from cancer. Case managers and on-site Heartland Alliance Health medical professionals swiftly connected her with the Rush Hospital Oncology Department. Heartland Alliance Health has been a valuable partner in the effort to improve the health of CCO’s medically fragile shelter guests.

Thirty additional beds mean that 30 more women will have a raised quality of life, access to essential services, and a place to build relationships. In short, they will be allowed to live instead of simply surviving.

“The night before I came to CCO, I slept out on a park bench.” Take a moment and read Carla’s story from the CCO Archive.

We hope you will join Cornerstone in meeting the needs of vulnerable women. Please consider making a donation that allows CCO to establish a computer lab, purchase a new copier, and other essential and programmatic necessities. Or consider donating to help pay for shelter beds and supportive services.

Your financial gift improves lives in a very real way. Click here to visit CCO’s donation page.

Congratulations Carla!

Posted on by Beth

From the CCO Archive: Carla’s story was originally published in September of 2013.

“The night before I came to CCO, I slept out on a park bench. I said I would never stay in a shelter. And what did God do? He put me right in a shelter and blessed me there.

 I thought people in a shelter had to sleep on the floor. I was afraid that people would steal my stuff and that it would be dirty. I thought I would have to leave in the early morning and stay out all day. Naomi House has been totally different. I have a case manager, three meals a day, I didn’t have to sleep on the floor or leave during the day. It isn’t dirty. I’ve improved mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally.”

“Recently, I got a housing call and I was told, ‘It’s a go! Start packing!’ I have a place and I’m so excited about my little apartment! It’s perfect for me. And it makes me think about how good God is!”

-Carla, as told to Beth Nicholls

It would be difficult to talk to Carla and miss her determination and gratitude. After months of hard work, Carla turned the key to her own apartment. She looks back on her experience at the Naomi Shelter for Women as a stepping stone to stable housing. It has been a joy to work alongside her! Congratulations Carla!

Carla came to Naomi Shelter for Women from a park bench. Many shelter guests are welcomed into CCO after sleeping in doorways, vehicles, city buses, trains, and other places not intended for human habitation. In 2021, 30% of shelter guests entering the Naomi Men or Women’s Shelter Programs were “sleeping rough” the night before. Sleeping outside diminishes the physical and mental health of people experiencing homelessness. It makes them vulnerable to sleep deprivation, hunger, and violence.

Please stand with Cornerstone by helping to provide safe shelter space and permanent housing for Chicagoans experiencing poverty and homelessness. Your donation will ensure that beds, meals, and wrap-around services that available to someone sleeping on the street tonight. Click here to donate today!

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