Christine Hanna, a registered nurse working in Peoria, and her good friend Sara Kulp, a special Education teacher, have committed to making 200 bags for homeless individuals for the winter. These bags will contain hygiene products, items for warmth such as socks, hats, gloves, scarves, hand warmers, high protein bars, and a plethora of other items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, flashlights, matches, gum, first aid essentials, cough drops, pretty much anything that could be useful. Even blankets! (about 15-20 per bag). And they are looking for donations of items and money to be used to offset expenses related to purchasing what is not donated.
In order to fulfill these bags they ended up purchasing a lot of items on their own. However they are still in need! They will be driving to Chicago to disperse these to individuals on the 20th of December. They will be personally handing theses out on the streets of Chicago in area’s indicated by the police department as high traffic area’s for this population.
Now, getting closer to the 20th of December they are still lacking many items. So they are continuing efforts by purchasing enough to fill each bag with everything planned. Along with gas for the trip and time off work financially this has became such an endeavor for the two.
“There are an estimated 140000 homeless people that live in Chicago, including thousands of public school students in shelters, in tents, in parks”(ABC7Chicago reports ,2015)”.
Nearly 2000 are youth reported, with no adults in their life, many still attending public school. Sadly, there are less then 400 “beds” for them in youth shelters. Mental Illness, hardships, untreated addiction related displacement, and veterans with no resources make up a large factor in homelessness. Sadly, reports of homeless also working have been reported. When unable to stand in line for a unclean and overcrowded shelter in the early evening (due to work), some must turn to the streets to find shelter. Ideally everyone could have a 9 to 5 job, but that is not the case for many working homeless.
“We want to help these people by showing support, love, and letting them know someone cares,” says Christine. “Many have asked as to why we are traveling 3 hours away. We have done research online and statistically there is much more need in the Chicago area. There are many resources in the small town I am from Galesburg, Il and also moderate help in Peoria, Il for this population.”
Want to help?
Contact them.
Christine Hanna 309-509-0437 Email: christyh86@hotmail.com
Sara Kulp 309-221-7879
