Community partnerships are important in the effort to treat and prevent homelessness. Berwyn Police Department Community Relations Officer Juan Macias talks about how the city’s partnership with BEDS helps Berwyn respond to those experiencing homelessness and keeps police patrol out on the streets in service. The Street Outreach team at […]
BEDS Will Help Lead Regional Point in Time (PIT) Count of People Experiencing Homelessness
Every year, government, nonprofit, and media outlets reference a grand total of people experiencing homelessness (in 2020, for example, the figure that appeared was “roughly 580,000”). If you read closely, you’ll see the information introduced in an odd way, “on a single night January” versus “last year,” “each year,” etc. […]
Former BEDS clients help Street Outreach team reach those experiencing homelessness
The experience of living on the streets is one Ray Stewart remembers all too well. Ray first experienced homelessness at age 15 with his family. His family was in and out of homelessness for many years. Ray found BEDS as an adult and after a year of working through the […]
A day in the community with our Street Outreach team
Come along with our Street Outreach team during a cold winter afternoon. Regardless of the weather, our Street Outreach team heads out into our communities to make sure we can connect people experiencing homelessness with housing and other services. So far, our Street Outreach team has reached more than 90 […]
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, […]
Meet Manager of Emergency Services and Outreach Mario Avila
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 […]