The work we do at BEDS does not stop when a client is housed. Herb was housed in September 2019. He had stayed in our shelters after he was forced to live out of his car when he depleted his life savings to care for his sick mom. He never […]
Undoing Structural Racism in Housing
BEDS clients mainly come from five townships: Berwyn, Lyons, Proviso, Stickney, and Worth. Twelve percent of their combined population is Black; forty-four percent of our clients from these areas are Black. This is not an accident. Systemic racism has long denied Black people access to housing and creates the stark […]
BEDS Special Bulletin: Douglas’ Story
Douglas came to our office in tears. His wife had passed away in hospice care, and he and his fifth-grade son Ty continued to cope with her loss. When schools closed due to the pandemic, Douglas had continued working days while Ty signed into e-learning at home, but like many […]
Case aide Ricky Maltese helps formerly incarcerated clients find, secure housing
For Ricky Maltese, the most rewarding part of his job as a case aide at BEDS Plus Care is helping clients through the process of finding housing and seeing how grateful they are when they find a place to call home. Ricky joined the BEDS staff in June and works […]
What is Housing Navigation?
One of the primary challenges homeless people face is navigating the housing market. Housing search and placement services can address many of the barriers faced by those experiencing homelessness, such as low incomes and unstable housing histories among other things. Every Tuesday, our housing case managers help clients find affordable […]
Federal Mortgage Relief FAQ
The COVID-19 pandemic’s socioeconomic effects have left 12 percent of households behind on mortgage payments. Although the federal eviction/foreclosure moratorium has been extended until July 31, many households risk being foreclosed upon after it expires. Luckily, some at risk households can secure federal mortgage relief for up to a year. […]
BEDS Special Bulletin: Employment
Employment represents one of the many ways we help people experiencing homelessness and imminent risk of homelessness stabilize their lives. Today, we want to take a closer look at the issue of employment for people experiencing homelessness and how we respond. Do people experiencing homelessness work? A common stereotype holds […]
New apartment brings hope, fresh start
Having a place to call home means the world to Danny, who first started working with BEDS more than three years ago. He recently moved into an apartment in Oak Lawn that features brand-new furniture and plenty of space to relax in. Danny loves being able to cook his own […]
Dr. Swoyer of AMITA Health talks about how important BEDS Plus Care is to the community
In line with HUD’s Housing First approach to homelessness, BEDS prioritizes getting people into housing; however, we recognize that homelessness causes and exacerbates a range of health problems that make regaining a home difficult. Sixty percent of our clients report a serious health or behavioral health condition, and we’ve invested […]
BEDS Plus Executive Director Tina Rounds discusses our Summit Service Center community partners
BEDS Plus Executive Director Tina Rounds in a video blog talks about the partners we are working with for the Summit Service Center. “Part of developing a safety net in the community is viable, vibrant, well-run organizations that are constantly examining what the needs are in the community and working […]
