Making BEDS

BEDS volunteer Rebecca Russow knew she wanted to help BEDS when the COVID-19 pandemic hit but helping at shelter was simply no longer an option. So Rebecca decided to get creative and turned to her artwork as a way to help BEDS instead. Rebecca said she has missed seeing her […]

This year has been a year unlike any other in our 30-year history. Similar to all businesses, we have had to quickly modify our operations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the support of our communities, we are doing our best under these very stressful circumstances. The mission at […]

We want to welcome 2020 summer interns Andres Munoz and Zac Catrambone. Both will help us continue safely serving people experiencing homelessness and at imminent risk of homelessness. We hope their time with us leads to a deeper understanding of the issues facing our communities and commitment to human services. […]

Our courageous and committed frontline staff have made our strategic COVID19 response possible. As National Social Work Month continues, we want to highlight another staff person who is going to extraordinary lengths to serve some of our most vulnerable clients. Housing Case Manager Natalie Breeden works closely with people living […]

Bill Burke is one of the BEDS volunteers on the frontline of our COVID-19 response, helping to manage consolidated shelter operations. A volunteer with BEDS since 1998, Bill tirelessly led a small group of volunteers to get our consolidated shelter site ready to serve both as an overnight emergency shelter […]

Manager of Emergency Services and Outreach Mario Avila joined BEDS staff in 2017. Based in our Worth office, Mario Avila oversees our South Suburban emergency overnight shelters, daytime support center, and street outreach. He works closely with clients who are struggling with substance abuse, which can cause homelessness, be caused […]

Stabilization Coordinator Miriam Martinez joined BEDS staff in 2019. She’s focused on expanding our reach in some of our newer communities, and she’s one of the first contacts with BEDS that many people experiencing homelessness or risk of homelessness have. We wanted to feature a conversation with her as part […]

BEDS is celebrating National Social Work Month by interviewing staff who work directly with the people we serve. Our first conversation is with Rapid Rehousing Case Manager Ben Pershey. Thanks for sitting down with us Ben. Tell us about yourself. How did you get started in social work? I had […]

I love to cook.  Cooking soup is one of the best ways to use extra stuff in my refrigerator or garden.  Nearly a decade ago, I came across a story about a successful community event at The Hideout, a bar in Chicago, that invited customers to share soup and day-old […]