Hope For the Homeless

Hope 4 The Homeless Update 001

Hello Internet Family!

Factors contributing to the rise of individuals currently experiencing homelessness in the City of Chicago include the following:

- Lack of affordable housing
- Job loss
- Mental illness and addiction
- Domestic violence
- Natural disasters and emergencies

Homelessness is a complex issue that can arise from a range of factors. Addressing the root causes of homelessness and engineering a response requires a multifaceted approach that includes affordable housing, access to mental health and addiction treatment, job training and support, and social services to help individuals and families get back on their feet.

But its deeper than that.

Before we are able to make lasting change in our society as a whole, we must come together and demonstrate that we are capable of caring for each other in a way that is loving and genuine.

This is the first update on our "Hope for the Homeless" mission! The mission is simple:

we provide hope to those who have none.

Up to three times per week, we distribute meals, clothing, and hygiene items to homeless individuals in the city of Chicago using personal resources and donations from the community. Currently, we are regularly providing for several individuals, but here is one in particular.

Felix is always glad to receive a care package!

We need your help to continue our work toward caring for those who need it most. By becoming a monthly subscriber of Blessed & Encouraged for just $10 a month, or an annual subscriber for $80 per year, you can enable us to continue making large and impactful change in the lives of those who need it most. Your contribution allows us to provide "care package" bags that include a pair of socks, some basic toiletries, and a simple lunch for the day to someone experiencing homelessness.

Every bag is packed with love and care, and contains enough basic hygiene items for last the average person for about a week. Both the male and female versions of our care packages can be created for under $10.

Could you imagine not having basic necessities?

As a token of our appreciation, the first 25 monthly subscribers will receive a handwritten letter of thanks and a stylized bookmark. Alternatively, readers deciding to support us on an annual basis will receive a handwritten letter of appreciation, a stylized bookmark, and a scented candle from us to you!

Annual subscribers will also receive a single free monthly gift subscription to offer to a friend.

Additionally, all subscribers will gain unrestricted access to our content archive, which includes all podcast episodes and Bible Study Deep Dives.

We would like to extend our gratitude to those who have already chosen to follow us on this journey. Your support means a lot to us and we're thrilled to have you with us. Together, we truly can accomplish anything.

To stay up to date on our progress with "Hope for the Homeless", be sure to tune in to our podcast every Saturday, and keep an eye out for any newsletter issues labeled "Hope for the Homeless".

If you'd like to become a member of our community and support our mission, click the button found at the bottom of this issue. If you need a little assistance in getting started, this issue explains everything you need to know about how to get involved.

Thank you for considering joining our mission to bring hope to the homeless community in Chicago. We couldn't do it without your support!

Be Blessed & Encouraged
- Rasheeda "Food Mama" Lester