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In a city where winter can be unforgiving, CHI-CARE is ramping up efforts to support Chicago’s homeless population during National Homelessness Awareness Month. The nonprofit is on a mission to raise $10,000 this November to fund crucial services, including meals, supplies, and outreach programs. Its centerpiece initiative, the Thanksgiving Week of Giving, runs from November 22 to 28 and will deliver over 1,000 meals across the city.
CHI-CARE’s efforts come at a critical time. With nearly 65,000 people experiencing homelessness in Chicago, the organization is calling on the community to step up and help make a difference.
CHI-CARE’s November campaign focuses on four essential initiatives aimed at providing basic necessities to those in need:
- Snack Packs: Volunteers are assembling grab-and-go snack packs with donations made through events or CHI-CARE’s Amazon Wish List.
- Hot Meals: The organization is distributing chef-prepared meals for just $5 per sponsored plate.
- Hygiene Kits: Donated items like soap, deodorant, and toothbrushes help restore dignity and health.
- Winter Essentials: Chicagoans can contribute coats, hats, gloves, and blankets to help residents survive the cold months ahead.
“We see the urgency increasing as temperatures drop,” said Chef Faraz Sardharia, a CHI-CARE board member. “This month isn’t just about awareness; it’s about action. We’re trying to ensure everyone we reach feels cared for.”
During Thanksgiving Week, volunteers will deliver hot meals to different neighborhoods each day, including areas like West Garfield Park, Pilsen, and North Lakeshore Drive. The weeklong effort relies on a partnership with local chefs and restaurants, as well as volunteers willing to brave the cold to deliver food directly to people in need. Flexible shifts make it easier for more people to participate.
The organization hopes the initiative will highlight the struggles of homelessness while fostering community connection. Sardharia and the CHI-CARE team emphasize that even small contributions, like donating a meal or assembling a snack pack, can make a significant impact.
CHI-CARE operates year-round, running weekly routes to tent encampments and other high-need areas across Chicago. But the work is resource-intensive, and the organization depends on public support. With homelessness becoming an increasingly visible issue in the city, CHI-CARE leaders hope their efforts inspire residents to join them in tackling the crisis.
CHI-CARE is inviting donations, volunteers, and partnerships. Anyone interested in helping can donate money or supplies, sign up to distribute meals, or organize a snack pack event in their own office or neighborhood.
For more information on CHI-CARE’s initiatives, visit www.chi-care.org.
As Chicago heads into the coldest months of the year, CHI-CARE’s work is a reminder of how collective action can bring warmth and hope to those who need it most.