BEDS February 2021 eNewsletter
Warming centers open
during cold weather

If you know someone experiencing homelessness who needs help, please refer them to BEDS and call (708) 354-0858. The following warming center locations are available for emergency shelter.

Available every day:
  • AMITA La Grange Hospital, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 5101 S. Willow Springs Road. Use the emergency room entrance, ask for security, and indicate the need for emergency shelter.
  • Berwyn Public Library, M-Th 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fri-Sat 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., 2701 South Harlem Avenue.
  • Village of Broadview Municipal Building, M-Sat 6 p.m. to 12 a.m., Sun 8 a.m. to 12 a.m., 2350 South 25th Avenue.

Monday through Friday only:
  • Berwyn Recreation Department, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 6501 West 31st Street
  • Lemont (Township Offices), 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., 1115 Warner Ave., Transport available, call (630) 257-2522.
  • Orland Park Township, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 14807 Ravinia Ave., Transport available through village for a charge, call (708) 403-4222
  • Palos Township, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 1082 Roberts Road, Palos, (708) 598-4418
  • Proviso Township Office, M-F 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 4565 West Harrison Street, Hillside
  • Riverside Township, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 27 Riverside Rd., Riverside, (708) 442-4400
  • Stickney (Louis S. Viverity Senior Center), 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., 7745 S. Leamington Ave., (708) 636-8850. Available to Stickney Township residents only, please call ahead of time to ensure that the location is open.

Please visit our website for updates.

Contact BEDS if you are interested in conducting a drive for coats or other winter needs. Call (708) 354-0858 or email info@beds-plus.org.
Annual Soup & Bread event a success

Thank you for supporting our annual Soup & Bread event, which supports emergency services including shelter. Our virtual event was a success and surpassed our fundraising goal.

If you made a donation of $25 or more, don't forget to stop by our offices to pick up your mug. And don't forget to use your Perk Card through March 31 for discounts and special offers at the participating restaurants below:
In Case You Missed It on Facebook
Our federally qualified health center, Pillars Community Health, has been working with the state to vaccinate people who work with high-risk populations. Twenty-nine BEDS staff members have been able to get the COVID-19 vaccine so far. Clinical Director Shannon Goold is all smiles under her mask after getting the first dose of the Moderna vaccine. Pillars Community Health has been a wonderful partner throughout the years. Next, Pillars Community Health will be working with BEDS staff to help our clients get vaccinated.


BEDS Bulletin! An article in Wired reported on COVID-19's lasting impact on homelessness in the U.S. and how efforts that sprang up to address those experiencing homelessness could change their fates for the better. Those without housing are disproportionately affected by health conditions that can make COVID-19 cases more severe. They are often forced to shelter, eat and access hygiene in congregate settings where maintaining social distance is difficult. Experts, though, launched efforts to create safe places for those experiencing homelessness to shelter and quarantine. At BEDS, we followed the best practices for mitigating the spread of the disease among the high-risk homeless people we serve, in the communities where they live, and among our staff, volunteers and donors. We temporarily housed clients in area motels and worked to expedite housing. We also expanded our street outreach program in anticipation of the growing need within suburban Cook County.


BEDS volunteer and board member Mark Rudzinski talks about homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic. "The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on BEDS," Mark said. "The number of people who have turned to BEDS for support has absolutely gone through the roof." Watch the video here.
 

Congrats to Andy! Andy is the first of three clients moving into the Thresholds Safe Haven project in Melrose Park. He and two other clients have been living on the street, exposed to the elements, trying to care for chronic health conditions for the past year and a half. On a daily basis, they look out for each other to make sure they are safe. Our shelter and street outreach teams have worked to ensure they all have what they need to eat, stay warm and attend doctor appointments. They will be able to move into the housing program together and maintain their bond as they receive ongoing support for their individual needs.

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BEDS Plus | beds-plus.org | (708) 354-0858