The Season of Giving Has Begun! |
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This year, HOW provided housing and comprehensive support services to hundreds of families and individuals. This single sentence, when standing alone, doesn't seem out of the ordinary. However, 2020 was anything but ordinary.
Despite the challenges created by the pandemic, HOW remained committed to its mission and clients, using our values for inspiration and guidance. HOW rapidly shifted to a largely virtual service model to keep our clients, staff, and communities safe. Case Managers modified the support they provided, fielding more requests for benefits enrollment, health care registration, and essential items. They counseled clients through the public health crisis providing vital resources and information, as well as emotional support for those experiencing isolation and anxiety. HOW's Employment, Health, and Youth teams changed the way they served individuals and families as well to ensure services were uninterrupted, which enabled clients to continue working towards their employment, health, and educational goals despite the changed state of the world.
And while there is hope on the horizon, there is still much work to be done as we help our clients to remain housed and healthy, while navigating the economic fallout from the pandemic. In order to continue this work, we need your support. Please donate now as part of HOW's end of year appeal and help to fuel these efforts in the coming year. Thank you!
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New Blog Post from HOW's CEO |
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Looking for a compelling quick read? Check out HOW CEO Britt Shawver's latest blog which honors those in the HOW community who passed on this year, and sheds light on how compassion is at the heart of the agency's work.
"This depth of care and service can’t be quantified in statistics and numbers. It is an ethos, a calling, and while housing is literally part of HOW’s name, I was reminded that compassion is truly at the center of our work."
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ONGOING DRIVES AND UPCOMING EVENTS |
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Holiday Wish Drive
Help Spread Some Cheer
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In order to keep our clients, staff, and community safe, HOW is modifying its annual Holiday Wish Drive. This year, the agency will be collecting gift cards and toys in lieu of specific wish list items. By donating a gift card, donors help to provide a joyful holiday season for a client who may not receive a gift otherwise. Gift cards also provide parents the opportunity to shop for their children, something that many HOW families struggle financially to do during the holiday season.
Learn how to sponsor an individual or family, details about donation drop-off times, and other important information at HOW's Holiday Wish website.
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Coat Drive
There are still 126 unfilled requests for coats!
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HOW's coat drive is still running!! While we've already received many coats (thank you to all those who already donated!) there are still 126 outstanding coat requests from clients. We have a particular need of women's size XL coats. Please help us close the gap and make sure every client is able to stay warm while out and about this winter. You can find details about how to donate a coat through amazon, or drop-off here.
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Virtually Holidazed
Shop Local at the Virtual Gallery Event
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Looking to support local businesses and purchase one-of-a-kind gifts this year? Look no further than Holidazed! Holidazed is a virtual market hosted by Echoes of Chicago where local artists, vendors, and small business owners sell their goods. The market launched on Black Friday and is running through December 21st. To shop, customers can "attend" the event as an avatar and navigate the virtual space, browsing exhibits and looking for the perfect gift. All donations generated through the event will go to HOW! Learn how to "shop" and more about the event here.
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Recording Now Available of HOW's Virtual Luncheon |
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On October 15, HOW hosted its first-ever virtual luncheon about the current eviction crisis, its local implications, and ways to help. A recording is now available on HOW's website and gives viewers a chance to hear about the personal toll of eviction and learn from experts about the current crisis' origins, intersection with other critical issues, and possible solutions. Thank you to all those who attended the luncheon and supported HOW's homelessness prevention efforts.
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HOW's Fall Print Newsletter |
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Seems like everything we do these days is online, but HOW still prints and mails newsletters twice a year! The agency's annual Fall Newsletter should have landed on your doorstep in November. If you did not receive a print version, you can read it online here. To sign up to receive print newsletters moving forward, simply respond to this email!
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Empowering individuals and families to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness. |
Since 1983, HOW has been a leader in permanent solutions to homelessness. Through prevention strategies; expanded, affordable, supportive housing; and individualized support services we have helped thousands take back their lives. |
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HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN
1607 W Howard St. - Third Floor - Chicago, IL 60626
773-465-5770 | www.how-inc.org
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