Words from our partner churches and community members on the value they see in Chicago Shares.
"We are new to Chicago Shares (saw your ad in StreetWise) and love the concept. We gave half of our Shares to our children who also live in the city and retained half. We distributed 4 packets of Shares ($5.00 each) to the homeless recently and all were knowledgeable about what they can buy. Great cause, great solution! God bless you!"
- Dan, Chicago
- Dan, Chicago
"I don't carry change anymore and don't feel comfortable opening my purse on the CTA. I like Chicago Shares because they are safe. Chicago Shares connect people in crisis with meals."
- Elizabeth, Chicago
- Elizabeth, Chicago
"COVID-19 has brought on darkness. Giving Chicago Shares is like lighting a candle. It's a very small thing, but every ray of light is a good thing."
- Len Strauch, Chicago, volunteer for the Night Ministry Street Medicine Team
- Len Strauch, Chicago, volunteer for the Night Ministry Street Medicine Team
“Just because there are fewer people on the street asking for help, it doesn’t mean the need is any less. So, instead of purchasing vouchers to hand out myself, I made a donation to Chicago Shares. It can be used to fund Shares given out by area churches and not-for-profits. Vouchers are one way to bridge the gap created by the closing of food pantries and soup kitchens."
- Diane Ciral, Chicago
- Diane Ciral, Chicago
"Several years ago we at Assumption Catholic Church (323 W. Illinois St., Chicago) wanted to set up a program to help the disadvantaged and our "Shares Ministry" was born. We decided that the most efficient way to help the poor was to distribute Chicago Shares because the Shares vouchers are accepted by food outlets, including Jewel. Our guests can use them for food, toiletries and even transportation. At least one of the Jewel stores will allow the Shares' value to be added to Ventra Cards. Chicago Shares are an easy and safe way to help the poor!"
- Susan Carlucci Gold, volunteer, Assumption Catholic Church
- Susan Carlucci Gold, volunteer, Assumption Catholic Church
"Jazz musicians and surviving castaways on a deserted island have one thing in common with churches seeking to help needy people during the pandemic: the ability to improvise. When it became unworkable for the Church of Ascension to continue to operate its neighborhood food pantry, we came across Chicago Shares as a suitable alternative. We give out Chicago Shares vouchers to our guests who typically then go to a nearby Jewel Store. There they can use the vouchers like cash for food and necessities – but never alcohol or tobacco. Chicago Shares are safe and respectful and our guests greatly welcome this assistance."
- Daniel Pillar, a volunteer for the Church of the Ascension, an Episcopal Church located near LaSalle and Division Streets in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood
- Daniel Pillar, a volunteer for the Church of the Ascension, an Episcopal Church located near LaSalle and Division Streets in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood