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Chicago Share Volunteer Heads to Afghanistan

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Starting in mid August 2010, Chicago Shares volunteer Michael Kraynak, will embark on a journey far from his Chicago home, both in terms of physical distance and lifestyle. An employee of the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), Mike will deploy for six months to Kabul, Afghanistan.

As a lead supply specialist for GSA, Mike will represent his agency by working closely with the Department of Defense in support of the supply chain needs of Operation Enduring Freedom. Being in Kabul will afford him the opportunity to work hand in hand with colleagues in their mission to supply the American soldiers.

When asked for his thoughts about this opportunity, Mike replied, “It’s a small way in which I can contribute to the efforts of the U.S. to protect our freedoms and help other nations realize their own freedoms. It will require long hours and the most basic of living conditions, but that is nothing compared to the sacrifices that thousands of combat soldiers and their families have made.”

According to Mike, what he will miss the most during the six months, are “the things you take for granted until you actually stop to think about them. The familiarity of a neighborhood, a friendly face you know walking down the street, and some basic comforts of home.”

Mike started volunteering with Chicago Shares in 2003 by selling Shares to parishioners at Holy Name Cathedral. Since that time Mike has recruited new merchants and served as liaison with three merchants downtown that accept Chicago Shares vouchers.. Mike says the best thing about Chicago Shares is “that we’re able to provide immediate assistance to those in need. The vouchers that Chicagoans like myself purchase can be used within minutes of being handed  to a needy person.   Chicago Shares is a safe, easy way to help those who are hungry and need our help.”

Mike looks forward to continuing his volunteer work with Chicago Shares when he returns in the spring. “The volunteers at Chicago Shares are second to none. They work hard for zero compensation, step up when needed, and truly believe in what they are doing.”


Voucher Sales and Redemptions Increase

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Chicago Shares vouchers

Chicago Shares is pleased to announce that voucher sales and redemptions in 2010 increased by 23% and 28% respectively over 2009. Sales amounted to $30,865 and redemptions amounted to $23,078.

The redemption rate was 75%, a 3% increase over 2009.
On behalf of Chicago’s hungry poor, we wish to thank everyone who sold, bought or redeemed Chicago Shares vouchers for making this possible.

Mike Kraynak has been selected as a new co-executive director of Chicago Shares

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Chicago Shares is pleased to announce that Mike Kraynak has been selected to replace Richard Kaczmarek as co-executive director of the organization. Kaczmarek continues as president. Julie Stagliano is the other co executive director.
Mike’s selection is subject to approval by the Chicago Shares board of directors.

Chicago Shares' co-executive director, Mike Kraynak

 

Mike has been a Chicago Shares volunteer since 2002. He has served as merchant- liaison to several merchants, new merchant recruiter, and coordinator of voucher sales at Holy Name Cathedral.
Mike is employed by the U.S. Government’s General Services Administration(GSA) and recently served a seven month volunteer assignment for GSA in Afghanistan.

Vouchers System Helps the Needy

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This post was written by Loyola University Chicago student Raven Icaza, and originally posted here.

Richard Kaczmarek does not hand over spare change or leftovers when prompted by the homeless.  Instead, he offers what appears to be a small square ticket, good for food or personal care items at local stores and restaurants.  To some, he is known as the Chicago Shares man, but in fact he is president of the not-for-profit corporation based in Holy Name Cathedral.

Chicago Shares voucher

Kaczmarek, 73, is responsible for all phases of the operation, from recruiting volunteers, appointing board members, right down to purchasing and distributing vouchers.  The concept behind the voucher: feed those in need while preventing monetary access to drugs or alcohol.

Partnered with other churches, synagogues, merchants and a volunteer staff, Chicago Shares has become a self-sufficient operation.

“Chicago Shares was the entity that developed the shares, produced the shares and sold them to the participating churches.  The churches then in turn sell them to their congregations,” Kaczmarek explained.

Often a combination of cash and vouchers are redeemed at the merchants.

“At the end of each month, the merchant contacts us.  One of our volunteers goes to the merchant and delivers a check for the full value of the vouchers,” he said.

The participating stores and restaurants receive more business as the result.

“Most of all, they are helping people who are in need.  But financially, they aren’t hurt.  We don’t expect them to give them or us a discount,” Kaczmarek said.

With an average 80 percent redemption rate used at over a dozen locations stretching from the Loop to Lincoln Park, it appears the system is working.

“Not all the vouchers we sell are used,” Kaczmarek said.

About 20 percent of the funds from the voucher sales remain in Chicago Shares accounts.  Only a small fraction of this goes into administrative expenses such as printing the vouchers and maintaining a website.  With no office or paid staff, the remaining funds reach those in need

“We have donated $74,000 in cash to organizations that serve the homeless,” Kaczmarek said.

Since its beginning in 1992, Chicago Shares has provided thousands of vouchers which the disadvantaged can exchange for food or other items.  Ann Klocke, 76, pastoral assistant at Holy Name, set to work modeling this organization that addressed the concerns of the donors while meeting the needs of the homeless after reading about a similar project in Berkeley, Calif.

“I was on my way over here for an evening meeting, and four different times people asked me for money. You wish you could do something for these folks, and everyone should have dinner,” Klocke said.

For Ron Polaniecki, 61, volunteer and board member of Chicago Shares, the simplicity of the organization is most appealing.

“I thought it was a very innovative and simple solution to something that always bothered me– how to give something to a person on the street without fumbling for cash or pulling out my wallet, and how to be sure that the recipient would use my money for food, and not alcohol or drugs,” Polaniecki said.

It was in 2000 that Kaczmarek joined the Chicago Shares team as a co-executive director, but a passion for serving those in need stems from his upbringing in the Catholic faith.

“My work with Chicago Shares offers me the opportunity to serve God’s people in a small way by helping to feed some of the hungry poor,” Kaczmarek said.

His work at Holy Name extends to the Right of Christian Initiation for Adults, helping adults become members of the Catholic Church.

Kaczmarek also devotes some time to Learning Ally, a Chicago organization that records text books for blind and dyslexic students.  He is a supporter of a number of organizations and charities such as UNICEF, and is a freedom writer for Amnesty International.

Richard Kaczmarek

In May 2010, Kaczmarek became president of Chicago Shares, replacing its founder, Klocke.

“He has brought very good order to us.  He also has a really big heart and loves very much to help the needy,” Klocke said.

Kaczmarek notes that the needs of disadvantaged and homeless Chicagoans extends beyond spare change.

“Addiction control, education, finding a home, finding a job—those are long term,” Kaczmarek said.  “But they have got to have something to eat today, and that’s where Chicago Shares comes in.”

If you would like more information on Chicago Shares or how to purchase vouchers, visit www.chicagoshares.org or call 312-573-4494.

See Our Ad in Streetwise

“Why Chicago Shares?” from St. Clement Parish Newsletter

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Chicago Shares offers a way for the community to respond to the needs of the homeless and most vulnerable among us.Through the Chicago Shares program, parishioners can purchase voucher booklets worth $5 to be distributed to those in need instead of cash, to be redeemed at participating stores and restaurants for food and toiletry items (no alcohol or tobacco products). As the Chicago Shares website states, with these vouchers, “Chicagoans can be sure their donations feed the hungry.”

 

How does the Chicago Shares voucher system work?

You see someone in need, you give them Chicago Shares vouchers, the person in need buys food and personal care items using the vouchers as currency from a participating location.

Purchasers may also donate the vouchers to Saint Clement Parish for distribution to the homeless. Saint Clement has participated in the Chicago Shares program since 1995, currently selling the vouchers on the last Sunday of the month (be sure to look for our volunteers selling them after Masses this weekend, October 26 and 27).

Saint Clement Parish’s Deacon Tim Sullivan has noticed what a difference these vouchers can make in someone’s life. Every Friday morning, Deacon Tim and parishioners provide hospitality and conversation in front of the parish rectory for those who wait in line to receive a free sack lunch made by our parishioners through our sack lunch program for the homeless. Our volunteers serve coffee, donuts and orange juice (as well as iced tea or lemonade in the summer, and hot chocolate in the winter) from 8:45am until after the 9:30am sack lunch distribution.

During his two years at our parish, Deacon Tim has noticed, “there is a very large demand for Shares from our friends who we serve on Friday mornings.” As he has met and gotten to know our “regulars,” Deacon Tim asked one recipient that he’s become “good friends” with, Jack, about his experience with the Chicago Shares vouchers; the resulting interview is below. Jack is 59 years old. He was a successful businessman who ran his own business in Chicago. After the death of his wife twelve years ago, he left the business; he couldn’t bear to go back in because of all the time he spent there with his wife. He gave the business to his children (who he still keeps in contact with), “hit the streets,” and looks after his cousin.

 

Deacon Tim: Jack, where can you use the vouchers?

JACK: There are places downtown that you can use them, but also here in this area at Luigi’s and Dominick’s.

 

DT: With the several food programs in the area from various churches including Saint Clement, why are these necessary?

JACK: On Sunday there is only one place that I know of that serves food and the Shares help to get through Sunday.

 

DT: What have you used them for?

JACK: My cousin and I have gone to Luigi’s and can get a slice of pizza and a pop with the Shares and also get food at Dominick’s.

 

DT: What do you get at Dominick’s?

JACK: We can pick up lunch meat and bread or rolls and make a “Dagwood” sandwich if we combine our Shares. We’ve also gotten a cooked chicken and have been able to split that.

 

DT: Is that your only option?

JACK: Some places downtown have food but it takes money to take the bus and get there, money that could be spent for food.

 

DT: Why are Shares important for you?

JACK: In order to survive. Using the Shares is a lot better than going through garbage cans to see if you can find something not spoiled to eat.

 

We’d like to thank all thosewho have supported this important program. Deacon Tim asks that if you haven’t participated in the past, please consider doing so by purchasing Chicago Shares vouchers after the Masses this weekend. You can give them out yourself, or turn them in to the parish office for distribution. It’s a great way to put our Catholic faith into action and help the homeless. For more information on the Chicago Shares program, please visitchicagoshares.com.

 

An Exemplary Volunteer

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DSCN0337

Chicago Shares Board Chair Rich Kaczmarek (right), recently joined Kathy Haberer (center) and Co-Directors, Julie Stagliano and Michael Kraynak for Kathy’s farewell dinner.

Theatrical productions, railroad operations and magazine publishing can only be successful if they have skilled and dedicated people back stage and back office. So, too, it is for Chicago Shares. And for more than a decade, Kathy Haberer has worked tirelessly as one of these behind-the-scenes people for Chicago Shares. Now, she is moving to another city and her duties will pass to another volunteer.

Kathy has faithfully served Chicago Shares in several key capacities. Most importantly she filled orders from purchasers, either individuals or institutions, and distributed vouchers to the various selling locations. She tracked vendor’s distributions and sales through a spreadsheet system, maintaining precise numeric counts of all voucher transactions. This data, presented in easy-to-read quarterly reports, provided the treasurer and directors with the information needed to guide the funding of grant awards and ensure overall sound financial management.

In addition, Kathy helped update the Chicago Shares’ website to include an online donation function, which has helped boost voucher sales.

Finally–it will come as no surprise to those who know her–Kathy made time on many Sundays to sell vouchers at St. Clement’s, thus adding to the vitality of the Chicago Shares program.

Chicago Shares is most grateful for Kathy Haberer’s generous spirit. She has indeed advanced the mission of Chicago Shares to share compassion, share comfort and share vouchers.

Thanks, Kathy! Chicago Shares wishes you the best in your next chapter.

A Morning of Selling Shares at Holy Name Cathedral

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Selling Shares at Holy Name Cathedral

Chicago Shares volunteers celebrate after a successful morning of selling Shares at Holy Name Cathedral. Pictured are Mirtha, Aida and Monseignor Dan Mayall, Pastor of Holy Name Cathedral.


Atlanta Shares October Newsletter

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Take a look at Atlanta Shares’ latest newsletter to learn more about their organization. Atlanta Shares is a program similar to ours that was developed using Chicago Shares’ framework. View the newsletter. 

2015 Annual Board Meeting

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At the annual Chicago Shares board meeting that was held on Tuesday, March 24, the following officers were elected to one-year terms: Rich Kaczmarek – President Ron Polaniecki – Vice President Fran Kelly – Treasurer Fred Augustin – Secretary Julie Stagliano continues as executive director.

St. Clement’s Deacon Tim on Homelessness

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This story originally appeared in the September 14-20, 2015, issue of Streetwise.  See the original here. 

By Ron Polaniecki

ChicagoShares1Deacon Tim Sullivan of St. Clement Church, 642 W. Deming Place, knows firsthand about people who are homeless and needy. He’s been in their midst, first in Detroit and now in Chicago, providing food and assistance for more than 12 years.

And among the learnings he underscores is that while homeless people are varied, many are seeking more than just a few coins in a cup.

According to Deacon Tim, it’s not uncommon for homeless people to have low self-esteem and to feel ashamed. And while they might get used to being treated without respect, repetition doesn’t make it easy. Further, he adds, even though many are pleased to chat, they may not be fast to share their stories – until they trust you. A motto, says Deacon Tim, among the homeless: “Suspicion = Safety.”

It’s no surprise, however, that by treating them with respect and offering assistance, Deacon Tim has earned the trust of many.

Flashback: In the summer of 2002 while in Boston, Deacon Tim met a woman who made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the poor. He made a mental note: Wow, this is simple and yet effective!

And then he met a homeless woman. He gave her money and went on. But something made him return to give her more money.

Deacon Tim recalls, “I asked her name, and ended by saying, ‘Pam, I’ll pray for you.’ As I walked away, she asked my name, and then said, ‘Tim, I’ll pray for you.’” That day, affirms Deacon Tim, “I saw the homeless in a new light.”

“Inspired by the woman I saw in Boston, I started a peanut butter and jelly ministry in Detroit,” he goes on. “We had four volunteers and fed 30 people on Saturdays.” Then he notes, they added juice boxes. And more volunteers. And they grew. For Christmas, they served 450 dinners. Next, they incorporated and began serving 450-500 people a week.

“When I came to St. Clement Church, four years ago, I built on the program that was already in place by increasing our assistance from twice a month to weekly.

Deacon Tim explains the details: Volunteers from St. Clement bring six bags filled with two sandwiches, two hard boiled eggs, fresh fruit, a juice box and chips. Then every Friday, beginning at 9:30 we handout the bags, usually serving about 100 people.

“Before the distribution, we host a ‘coffee and donuts’ hospitality time providing an opportunity to connect with our guests,” he adds.

Who comes? According to Deacon Tim, there are truly homeless people who live on the street, others who live in shelters, and those who have a place to stay but not enough to eat. They all come on foot whether they’re from Lincoln Park or downtown.

“Each of the needy people we serve have a story,” says Deacon Tim. “One man had owned a furniture store, but then his wife died of cancer and everything changed. There are military veterans on hard times, ex-cons who want to work but who are virtually unhire-able.” The list, and the stories, goes on.

Somewhere in the conversation, Deacon Tim slips in that he once fell on hard times and was homeless himself. Later, he adds, he gained real-life insights one day when he stationed himself near a church as an “undercover” homeless person.

For Deacon Tim, serving homeless people is more than peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. A street person he once knew died with no family. Although it was not easy to do, Deacon Tim was able to claim the body and arrange for proper burial through a generous local funeral home. More important, he adds, “I presided over a prayer service for this otherwise nameless human being.”

In addition to the obvious objections to helping homeless people that Deacon Tim hears (“it’s inconvenient, it’s dangerous”), another one is, “Don’t these people know they can apply to agencies for help?”

“Yes,” says Deacon Tim. “But a three-month waiting list does not solve today’s problem. And for those who may have disabilities, making that initial phone call can be an insurmountable task.”

Deacon Tim makes it simple: Chicago’s needy people are as a different as Chicagoans themselves. “Some have a great sense of humor; others love Chicago sports teams.”

“But what’s universal,” he says, “is their need for food (often requiring them to dig in garbage cans and scrounge in dumpsters) and their desire for dignity.”

Another way to help people in need
In addition to Friday meals, Deacon Tim reports that on Saturday morning St. Clement gives out what ever Chicago Shares it has on hand.

Chicago Shares, a not-for-profit corporation founded in 1993, provides an answer to the age-old question, “Can you spare some change so I can get something to eat?”

Here’s how it works: Chicagoans can purchase Chicago Shares vouchers at area places of worship and on the web. Then, these $1 vouchers can be given to needy people. Recipients may redeem these vouchers at participating stores and restaurants for food and other basic necessities, but never for alcohol or tobacco.

While voucher sales have varied, average sales for the past three years are approximately $50,000 annually. About 80% of the vouchers are redeemed. Assuming a meal price of $5, that’s some 8,000 meals provided each year. Chicago Shares has donated its excess funds in the forms of grants to support other Chicago area organizations that help the needy.

Encouraged by the success of the program, the committed cadre of Chicago Shares (www.chicagoshares.com) volunteers are seeking to grow capacity by adding more places that will sell Shares and more merchants that will accept them.

St. Clement, which has been selling vouchers nearly 20 years, averages $7,000 annually in sales.
Chicago Shares is an efficient, safe and convenient way to help needy Chicagoans.

Look for our ad in StreetWise!

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Be sure to be on the lookout for our ad in StreetWise for the next few weeks!

streetwise-ad

Spot-On, Practical Way to Help Chicago’s Needy

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DSC_0616Seeing needy people on the streets of Chicago is not unusual.  However, the DNAinfo Chicago, February 1, 2016, article headline about the needy was: The Most Lucrative Panhandling Spots Downtown, According to Panhandlers (emphasis added).

(For the full article, click here)

The reporter’s fresh approach was used to provide a fair-minded, street level view of the challenges and personal histories of some needy Chicagoans (dubbed “panhandlers” for this article).

The article echoed what has become a mantra among observers of the urban landscape, namely, “People who are homeless have always been stigmatized, but some groups say it’s worse now than ever.”

Reader responses (for responses, click here) to this article expressed varied emotions from compassion to the needs of those on the street, to frustration with the lack of government action, to criticism of the needy for not doing a better job of pulling themselves up by their bootstraps — and an assortment of others.

Here’s one more view plus an action step.

Viewpoint:  While long-term solutions to homelessness and poverty is an imperative, we know that it’s critical to provide short-term help.  In other words, we want to help the needy meet today’s need for food and basic necessities.

Action step:  We suggest that those who want to provide immediate help to those they encounter on the street give them Chicago Shares vouchers instead of cash.

These vouchers (coupons) can be used for food and necessities – never for tobacco or alcohol – at Loop and near Loop establishments, including sandwich shops and grocery stories.

The program, which has been around since 1993, is simple and proven.

The $1 vouchers are sold at area places of worship and online.

Then generous Chicagoans can distribute them to needy people, who in turn can redeemed  these vouchers at such places, for example, as Max’s Take Out, 20 W. Adams, and the Jewel at 550 N. State Street.

The article revealed that while there are some locations that are better than others to ask passersby for change, there is no universal best location (perhaps akin to identifying the best place to get a flat tire).

What this means for those wanting to help the needy they may encounter:  It’d be wise to have a few Chicago Shares vouchers in your pocket or purse to hand out as the occasion might arise.

Learn more about where Chicago Shares may be purchased.

Chicago Shares Bids Farewell to Long Standing Supporter

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Julie Stagliano, Rich Kaczmarek and Monseignor Dan MayallOn June 26, 2016, Holy Name Cathedral honored Monseignor Dan Mayall with a reception in the lovely Cathedral courtyard. Msgr Mayall, a faithful board member of Chicago Shares for 12 years, is being transferred to another parish in Wilmette.

Executive director Julie Stagliano and past board chair Rich Kaczmarek were there to present a certificate of thanks on behalf of Chicago Shares.

Chicago Shares’ Grants Bolster Area Non-Profit Programs

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“We’re so grateful for your help in supporting those in need.” That’s the strong and reoccurring theme of the responses received to the Chicago Shares announcement of its 2016 grants.

Chicago Shares, a unique Chicago not-for-profit founded in 1993, provides meals to the hungry through a voucher program.  Each year a certain percentage of the vouchers purchased by generous people are never redeemed, thus providing a reserve of funds from which grants are made.

Recently, Chicago Shares announced that it is providing $15,000 in grants to 10 Chicago area not-for-profits that subscribe to a “help-the-needy” mission.

Grant recipients have underscored that these grants are particularly welcome now as other resources including state and local funding continue to dwindle.

Here are the 2016 grant recipients:

Lincoln Park Community Shelter
600 W. Fullerton Parkway
Chicago, IL  60614
http://www.lpcsonline.org/

Breakthrough
402 North Saint Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL  60624
http://www.breakthrough.org/

Care for Real
5339 N. Sheridan Road
Chicago, IL 60640
http://careforreal.org/

Pacific Garden Mission
1458 S. Canal Street
Chicago, IL  60607
https://www.pgm.org/

Fourth Presbyterian Church
126 E. Chestnut
Chicago, IL  60611
http://fourthchurch.org/

Common Pantry
3744 N. Damen
Chicago, IL 60618
http://commonpantry.org/program/

Society of St. Vincent DePaul
10525 Delta Parkway
Schiller Park, 60176
http://commonpantry.org/program/

The Chicago Help Initiative
440 N Wells Street, Suite 44
Chicago, IL  60654
http://chicagohelpinitiative.org/

Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Chicago
721 N. LaSalle Street
Chicago, IL  60654
http://www.catholiccharities.net/

Franciscan Outreach
1645 W. LeMoyne
Chicago, IL 60622
https://www.franoutreach.org/

 

Chicago Shares vouchers (which cannot be used for alcohol or tobacco) are safe, convenient, and easy to use. They enable generous Chicagoans to help the needy person-to person in a dignified way.

Chicago Shares has always been a volunteer program, which means there are no paid staff.

For more information on where Chicago Shares are sold and where they can be redeemed (plus information on becoming a volunteer or a merchant), please email us at coordinator@chicagoshares.org, or visit http://chicagoshares.com/

###


Chicago Shares Featured on Relevant Radio

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On May 26, Chicago Shares’ President Ron Polaniecki and Executive Director Julie Stagliano visited the Relevant Radio studios to discuss our program. You can listen to the interview here.

You can learn more about Relevant Radio here.

Chicago Shares’ Ad in Streetwise

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We were lucky to once again be promoted in Streetwise recently. The ad below ran in late 2017.

Chicago Shares Ad - 2017

Spot-On, Practical Way to Help Chicago’s Needy

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Seeing needy people on the streets of Chicago is not unusual.  However, the DNAinfo Chicago, February 1, 2016, article headline about the needy was: The Most Lucrative Panhandling Spots Downtown, According to Panhandlers (emphasis added).

(For the full article, click here)

The reporter’s fresh approach was used to provide a fair-minded, street level view of the challenges and personal histories of some needy Chicagoans (dubbed “panhandlers” for this article).
The article echoed what has become a mantra among observers of the urban landscape, namely, “People who are homeless have always been stigmatized, but some groups say it’s worse now than ever.”

Reader responses (for responses, click here) to this article expressed varied emotions from compassion to the needs of those on the street, to frustration with the lack of government action, to criticism of the needy for not doing a better job of pulling themselves up by their bootstraps — and an assortment of others.

Here’s one more view plus an action step.

Viewpoint:  While long-term solutions to homelessness and poverty is an imperative, we know that it’s critical to provide short-term help.  In other words, we want to help the needy meet today’s need for food and basic necessities.

Action step:  We suggest that those who want to provide immediate help to those they encounter on the street give them Chicago Shares vouchers instead of cash.

These vouchers (coupons) can be used for food and necessities – never for tobacco or alcohol – at Loop and near Loop establishments, including sandwich shops and grocery stories.

The program, which has been around since 1993, is simple and proven.

The $1 vouchers are sold at area places of worship and online.

Then generous Chicagoans can distribute them to needy people, who in turn can redeemed  these vouchers at such places, for example, as Max’s Take Out, 20 W. Adams, and the Jewel at 550 N. State Street.

The article revealed that while there are some locations that are better than others to ask passersby for change, there is no universal best location (perhaps akin to identifying the best place to get a flat tire).
What this means for those wanting to help the needy they may encounter:  It’d be wise to have a few Chicago Shares vouchers in your pocket or purse to hand out as the occasion might arise.

Chicago Shares Bids Farewell to Long Standing Supporter

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On June 26, 2016, Holy Name Cathedral honored Monseignor Dan Mayall with a reception in the lovely Cathedral courtyard. Msgr Mayall, a faithful board member of Chicago Shares for 12 years, is being transferred to another parish in Wilmette.

Executive director Julie Stagliano and past board chair Rich Kaczmarek were there to present a certificate of thanks on behalf of Chicago Shares.

Words about the Value of Chicago Shares from a Long-time Giver

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Comments from King Poor, a suburban resident who works downtown and is a Chicago Shares “frequent giver.”
“Chicago Shares offers an immediate way to give needy people a boost — people who may say to themselves, ‘Who cares about me?’ Beyond the importance of providing someone with a meal, giving Shares also means giving someone encouragement.”
And a story from the frontlines: “Three days before Christmas, I was giving Shares to someone who’d been a regular recipient over the past year. He thanked me and then said that he wanted to show me something. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a handful of the Shares that I’d given him. He said that he’d been saving them so he could buy something special for the holidays.
It was a reminder that we never know how small acts of encouragement may help lift someone up.”
Tell us – Why do you give Chicago Shares?
Send your thoughts to: Chicagoshares@gmail.com
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