A large non profit helping Chicago and Chicagoans with a number of projects and volunteer…read moreopportunities. Some of the op's are too far to get to without a car, but it's still a great organization that helps Chicagoans.

I've heard so much praise for Chicago Cares over the past few years and yesterday finally got the…read morechance to see what this wonderful organization is all about during the annual serve-a-thon. I, along with many other yelpers, helped paint the classrooms of a school on the south side. When I first arrived at the serve-a-thon with 7500 volunteers (yes, they got 7500 volunteers to help fix up schools around Chicago on a beautiful Saturday in June) my first thought is that I would never want to organize an event like this. There were so many organizational details involved in this day and I couldn't have been more impressed with the way Chicago Cares handled them...the check- in process was about 2 seconds (I was expecting about a 1/2 hour due to the size of the event), they had plenty of well trained volunteers on hand who actually knew what was going on, and everything ran right on schedule. Hats off to the Chicago Cares staff- they sure do know how to organize an event! It was absolutely heartbreaking to see the conditions of the school that we visited. I'm not exactly fond of painting and it was an exhausting day, but it made me feel good that we were able to help these kids by making the conditions of their school livable! This is the only Chicago Cares event I've experienced so far, but I'm interested in checking out other ways to help out!

I have seen first hand this foundation doing great work in the Chicagoland communities. The founder…read moreMelissa Finley is a driven woman with a purpose. They feed and clothed those who are less fortunate throughout the year, not just during the holiday season. Keep up the good work Ms. Finley!!

Helping Hands Homeless Foundation is an amazing thing to have happened to those less fortunate. The…read morefounder and volunteers work hard to ensure no individual is left behind. They always ensure the less fortunate have a nice meal and essentials especially around the holidays. This foundation cares about what they do. I have worked with them a few times and the amount of effort and love they put into each event gives each individual HOPE. They matter and they are worth it. This foundation has taught me that and I am so honored to be a helping part of a foundation that wants to make a difference.

I volunteered here while I was in college and I loved working with the kids. The kids need the…read moreeducational help as well as a safe place to play. This is a Christian organization that seeks to help at risk children. I really do like their approach to the problems these kids are facing. Most importantly they are sharing Christ with the kids on a daily bases by living out the truth and loving on them.

Want to volunteer your time to help inner-city kids? This is a great place to start. More than 200…read moreat-risk kids who live in Cabrini Green come to this facility after school for tutoring, reading help, and Bible study. Led by a great group of workers, this work can't be done without volunteer help.

Over the years I've attended a handful of talks, both in-person and virtual, on geopolitics,…read moreeconomics, policy, and related topics through the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. In my opinion, the coverage of issues is timely, non-partisan and fact-based. Many of the events are free of charge and there is an option to become a member, in order to help promote engagement and foster dialogue. I'm signed up to receive the Chicago Council's newsletter, so I am aware of the latest happenings, but had somewhat tuned out the events, mainly because I had felt myself overloaded with news. With some distance, I have come to realize that it is good to educate myself on issues that affect my community and the larger world. I recently tagged along with some neighbors to attend an event at the Center's HQ in the Prudential Building. The two speakers were highly engaging (a husband-wife duo) and spoke on Syrian independence. I probably would not have attended this lecture on my own, but being able to share and discuss it with others added a layer of meaning. This was my first visit to the Center's physical HQ, as a previous program I had signed up for ended up going virtual. I enjoyed my time at the center and found the logistics of the program, as well as the acoustics of the physical space, conducive to giving the topic my attention. I am glad that this organization exists as a resource to enhance my knowledge of today's most pressing issues.

Really disappointed with this place. I would have given it five stars years ago when I was a…read morestudent and would go to what they hosted. But it seems to have changed a lot recently. It feels really partisan and a shell of what it used to be.

I like their intentions to help people in need and I like the interactions I've had with them…read more They are my number one choice for charities. I have donated many coats and bags of clothing and I do employee match of monetary donations. I feel the provide a quality service that adds value to people's lives and the community, in general.

You can get homeowners and a bed to lay in "bunks". Theres oatmeal for breakfast and other foods…read more You gotta wake up early and be out the door looking for a job. UPS or FedEx is close by and you can get a job there and sleep at the shelter. You can bring luggage but it will have to be checked in. Not everyone there is showered so it can stink at times. It one of the only resources for free at your disposal if your homeless.

The person answering the phone is rude, doesn't explain the program and has an attitude when…read moreanswering basic questions. She's the first person people meet regarding the program so you'll think it'll be a positive experience at least but it was one of the worse phone call experiences I've had. Horrible customer service. I'm calling in regards for someone because I need help and the attitude wasn't welcoming.

With regard to donations please keep in mind that almost all charities bombard potential or…read moreactual donors with tons and tons of solicitations on a reGular basis.. This is not peculiar to Mercy Home. I have found Mercy Home on Charityr Navigator where it is cited as worthy of donations.

Staff treat us with disrespect. They hoard the toilet paper. They keep threatening to throw people…read moreout, which they do over the weekend. They don't serve a basic breakfast. And I got a infection on my foot from the shower is missing most of the tile in the shower and there's a dip that water stays.

The case managers that were there that actually did their jobs were Julie Thompson and Katie…read more(forgot her last name). It appears that Julie has retired as of 2021 and Katie left in 2016. The original shelter space and the shelter/drop in space on Sedgwick are both nice.

The Elam Davies Social Service Center is a part of the Fourth Presbyterian Church.. though it is…read moreaffiliated with the church the services offered are not on a religious basis and are very open to all kinds of people. They provide confidential non discriminatory help for food, clothes and give referrals for other needs (housing included). They handle themselves in a very professional manner. One major plus is that due to their central location, their food bank is provided for any and ALL Chicago residents (as opposed to most food banks which only serve their local neighborhood. Definitely worth a looksy if you are need or know someone who is.