Chi-Care volunteers provide warmth, food for homeless across Chicagoland as freezing temperatures continue
Local activist braves dangerous temps to raise awareness for homeless
CHICAGO (WLS) -- As cold temperatures continue through Sunday, tens of thousands around the city remain without shelter.
Volunteers looked to help those in need of warmth and food.
"You need more food, you need a jacket or anything else?" asked Farhan Ahmed, Chi-Care volunteer.
Ahmed and his group of Chi-Care volunteers spend every weekend in Chicago handing out necessities to the city's homeless.
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"Propane tanks, wood logs, tents, coats, blankets, anything that keep them warm," said Abdul Hasib, Chi-Care co-founder.
While the city and other organizations coaxed many people who live on the streets into a shelter this weekend, many continue to remain outside under viaducts, along expressways and tents.
"These guys have to survive tonight. It's going to be like -20 outside, so it's going to be horrible," Ahmed said.
Chi-Care volunteers began their day at Skokie's Pita Inn, where the restaurant, prepared over 400 meals for homeless Sunday morning. The food was provided at cost.
"This is the third time we've been doing, and because of the situation that is happening right now, it's good to help," said Alfredo Martinez, Pita Inn Skokie manager.
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There are approximately 80,000 homeless people in Chicago, according to some estimations. This number has grown since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We've been out since March. We haven't missed a week at all. We'll be going all over Chicagoland," Ahmed said.
City warming centers are open around the clock this weekend. Officials encouraged people to check on elderly neighbors and relatives as well as call 311 if someone is need of shelter.
Local activist braves dangerous temps to raise awareness
Community activist Andrew Holmes braved the dangerously cold temperatures Sunday night to raise awareness for homelessness.
Holmes said his goal is to gain the attention of those in power to create laws, regulations and ordinances designed to end homelessness.
"We have families sleeping out on the streets, on the sidewalk, and they need help," Holmes said.
The Robbins Police Chief also joined Holmes on the street.
Holmes said this is his 6th year sleeping out in the cold to raise awareness.
