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Chicago
This month we’re heading on over to Chicago! Be sure to visit our opportunities page for more information about serving with us in the “Windy City.”
News from the Chicago Director
Neighborhood’s A Changin’
Isaac and Will are best friends. You would think them an unlikely alliance as they stand next to each other, both towering at over 6 feet tall, Will very scrawny with snow white skin that matches his thinning hair and Isaac with a much broader frame and ebony skin that matches his dark hair and thick framed glasses. Despite their opposite looks, what brings these two together is their mutual love for the homeless and desire to provide for the poor and the hungry. They have been serving meals together for years at Two Lil’ Fishes, in the basement of People’s Church in the Uptown neighborhood. The two have built trusting and loving relationships with many of the poor in Chicago. Will and Isaac have made an exact art of what goes on in the kitchen and they welcome anyone to come join them as they serve lunch on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 12:30. Recently, they have increased their serving frequency from two meals a week to four meals a week; they hope to be serving six days by January, and every day by March.
Although quite understaffed and struggling for funds as everyone seems to be, it is becoming necessary to feed the patrons at Two Lil’ Fishes daily due to the great number of services that are being shut down and forced out with the gentrification of Uptown.
Gentrification is an issue that is familiar to many cities throughout the country, especially major urban centers. “Gentrification is a general term for the arrival of wealthier people in an existing urban district, a related increase in rents and property values, and changes in the district’s character and culture. The term is often used negatively, suggesting the displacement of poor communities by rich outsiders. But the effects of gentrification are complex and contradictory, and its real impact varies.&tdquo; (What is Gentrification? by Benjamin Grant)
Chicago has been at the forefront as a model of how neighborhood transformations shouldn’t take place; it is having serious implications on the poor in the city and many of the ministries with which we partner. The Uptown neighborhood is being hit hard by gentrification. Problems are rising for the hundreds of social service agencies in the community: many not being able to afford rent, others are being shut down because having the poor and homeless in the neighborhood is said by some to take away from the “beautification” of the Uptown neighborhood. Because of these reasons, Two Lil’ Fishes has taken on many new patrons from at least three of the agencies close by that have been forced to close. Will and Isaac are working tirelessly to keep the Two Lil’ Fishes program running in Uptown and meet other needs of the poor in Chicago.
Amidst the excitement of the recent election and hope for the future, Chicago is struggling in many ways. With our violent crimes at an all time high, lack of affordable housing, gentrification of neighborhoods, and lack of support for local social service agencies and other ministries, Chicagoans covet your prayers, especially for the homeless and the families that are being displaced and relocated. As Isaac and Will strive to make a difference each day in the lives of the people in Chicago, they show Christ’s love by meeting the needs of the community. With a heart for the poor and daily prayers for the homeless, Will and Isaac have become the answer to their own prayers by taking action where there passions lie. “Despite his lack of military or political power, Jesus insisted that his ministry was about a new social order that was good news to the poor and downtrodden. To anyone who would listen, Jesus said, ‘Follow me’. Those who did found themselves caught up in an adventure.” (Becoming the Answer to Your Prayers by Shane Claiborne). Please be praying for these issues in Chicago, as well as for Will and Isaac, and for your own community and the potential that lie in each one of you to care for and love the poor and the hurting in your own neighborhoods. It is an adventure that we have all been called to!
A prayer from the Missionaries of Charity
Make us worthy, Lord, to serve our fellow men throughout the world, who live and die in poverty and hunger. Give them today, through our hands, their daily bread and through our understanding love, give peace and joy. Amen.
– Julia Damon, CSM Associate Chicago City Director
Local Resources
Local News Links
- Student Homelessness Increases by a Third December 11, 2008
- With More Need, Fewer Resources December 10, 2008
- Chicago Weighs Boarding Schools for Homeless May 23, 2008
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