LPCS is absolutely amazing. They do such good work for so many people, all with private donations and no government money. My husband and I have been volunteers and donors for over ten years. Sitting down with a guest over a cup of coffee and talking, you realize they are people, just like any other people. They have dreams and goals and have hit a bump in their journey. They are at LPCS because they want to succeed and end their homelessness. Every volunteer experience is incredibly rewarding.
I was a Guest at LPCS for a short time, and benefited greatly from ALL of the services they offered.... The staff and volunteers are nothing short of miracle workers!
I was a volunteer for LPCS several years ago -- I now no longer live in Chicago (and therefore can't volunteer there) but have fond memories of my experiences there. The guests are truly in need and I have always felt that the services provided attempted to best meet those needs -- whether it be fellowship/community, charity, a hot meal, job leads, mental health assistance -- you name it.
I have been a volunteer at the Lincoln Park Community Shelter for over 8 years and have had wonderful experiences each time I visit to help out. Our group has been a part of the Meal group in that we purchase food, cook and serve for 35 guests of the Shelter. The Staff at LPCS is amazing, and you can really feel a sense of community with their assistance in training these guests to get job skills and housing. I have highly recommended to friends and family if they ever are looking for volunteer opportunities or charity options, LPCS is a great choice!
of the several homeless shelters across the city of Chicago I have served at, Lincoln Park Community Shelter has one of the greatest holistic approaches to identifying and addressing those issues that cause a homeless person to remin homeless. As a result, the staff and volunteers are able to strive to change those behaviors that cause recidivism and teach sustainable skills that will allow a homeless person to rejoin the community as a functioning member.
The Shelter is one of the jewels in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. The community embraced the organization early on and has never let go. There are literally people who volunteered and donated money from the very beginning that are still serving meals, donating money, running events and providing services. Guests get way more than a meal and a warm bed. The LPCS changes lives...helping those less fortunate with a helping hand to get on their feet and stay there. I truly believe the funds I give to LPCS are some of the wisest dollars I spend.
I began volunteering a few years ago teaching classes like time management and budgeting. I saw right away how impactful classes and discussions like these could be for people trying to make life changes. It was a wonderful feeling to be able to be a part of that. Now I am active in the fund raising as well as being a dinner volunteer. Bringing friends to make and serve dinner is a great way to showcase the organization and spend quality time with your friends doing something that helps others. I am constantly amazed at the work and diligence of the guests to change their lives. I was most touched when I met a volunteer who had previously been a guest, moved out on his own and chose to come back to work or volunteer. My fiancé’ is now a volunteer at the shelter as well and we hope to bring our children there in the future to join us as dinner volunteers.
My fiancée and I have helped organize the fall and spring fundraising events for the last 3 years. LPCS provides the physical infrastructure and personal support individuals need to break the cycle of homelessness. The "teaching how to fish" approach used at LPCS provides a significant benefit to the community.
My wife and I started volunteering more than 10 years ago as dinner volunteers. Twice a month we purchase, prepare and serve food for 35 male and female guests. LPCS is a wonderful place to volunteer because you feel like you're really making an impact. LPCS does more than just feed the homeless, they have rigorous programs that address the root causes of homelessness to help guests transition to full independent living. So instead of serving meals to the same people for years and feeling like nothing ever changes, our best moments are when people stop showing up because they've moved into their own apartment. Many times the 'graduates' come back and tell their new story of independence, holding down full time jobs, reconnecting with family, and that's when you feel that every meal has had an impact.