People experiencing homelessness and imminent risk of homelessness struggle to maintain a healthy diet, which has grown even more difficult during COVID-19. BEDS has expanded its Food Rescue program to reach a growing number of “food insecure” clients. Let’s learn more. How Are Food Insecurity and Homelessness Related? People […]
The Eviction Crisis
America faces an eviction outbreak that could reach pandemic proportions. The CDC eviction moratorium expires on March 31, and Illinois’ moratorium ends three days later on April 3. Immediately afterward, tenants face eviction, trying to find housing with eviction records, and homelessness. (For their part, landlords face foreclosures, asset seizures, […]
Homelessness Prevention Update
The passage of the $1.6 trillion stimulus bill provides people at risk of homelessness with infusions of cash to pay rent, including $1400 stimulus checks and a continuation of $300 supplements to unemployment benefits. The bill does not extend the CDC eviction moratorium, which expires at the end of the […]
Manager of Stabilization Services Joann Boblick discusses prevention with Presbyterian Church of Western Springs
Manager of Stabilization Services Joann Boblick recently sat down to discuss our prevention program with Presbyterian Church of Western Springs during the church’s Lenten Challenge 2021.
BEDS Street Outreach team braves elements to find those experiencing homelessness
Every Friday afternoon the BEDS Street Outreach team gathers to discuss their work and strategy. The team is the first line of defense in our mission to help those who are experiencing homelessness. Several times a week, the team goes out into the community in search of those who are […]
Special Bulletin: Street Outreach
BEDS helps individuals and families experiencing homelessness regain housing, but first they must enter our programs. Every day, those living outside need to focus on basic needs for water, food, and safety. They may not be aware of our services or how to access them. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, […]
BEDS Special Bulletin: Homelessness reduces lifespan by 20 years
People experiencing homelessness live an average of 20 years less than their peers. They are at much higher risk of chronic Illnesses, like hypertension, diabetes, pulmonary disease, cancer, tuberculosis, influenza, and other respiratory infections. With the onset of the pandemic, University of Pennsylvania researchers have found that people experiencing homelessness […]
The Eviction Moratorium and Coming Crisis
Illinois’ eviction moratorium was due to expire on August 22nd, but it has been renewed until September 19th (as it has each month since April). The executive order prevents economically vulnerable households, who may have taken pay cuts, been furloughed, or been laid off, from being evicted during the pandemic. […]
A note from our Supportive Housing Director, Javon Harris
Our work provides an unique vantage point on racial inequity. We see the toll that brutal inequalities have exacted on our country, communities and clients. It is unconscionable that: Black people make up 40 percent of the homeless population compared to 13 percent of the total population. They are overrepresented in every state. Last year, 41 percent […]
COVID-19 makes the homeless even more vulnerable
Illinois and a growing number of states have instructed residents stay at home, which leaves people experiencing homelessness with fewer and fewer places to go. Many describe the pandemic and its effects as unprecedented. Your support will make a difference by keeping our clients and communities safer. Homelessness has always […]
