Help a refugee family keep a roof over their heads

There is a humanitarian crisis happening in Chicago right now, in our own neighborhoods. Over 35,000 refugees have arrived since August 2022. The sheer numbers and level of need is profound. I felt helpless standing by and watching, until I got personally involved with one family from Venezuela and learned there is a way to help.

Little by little we got to know each other. For the Mom, Mariela, her family is her universe. The father, Yoel, loves cooking and we bond over 90’s music from the U.S. Eight-year-old Melany wants to be a rock star and four-year-old Mia squeals every time she sees me. They have become like family. We’ve shared their first Halloween, their first snow, their first day of school, and their first Christmas in America. Everything is new in their eyes. They are hard-working and very kind.

This family fled violence and poverty and endured an extreme journey to get here. You see, the refugees who arrive here feel like making it to Chicago is like winning the lottery—only to find their challenges are just beginning. After six months in shelters, they received housing through a charitable voucher. But the voucher is about to run out. The threat of eviction looms. The utility bills are mounting. And the legal costs to apply for work permit and asylum are huge. They have found resources to help, but it doesn’t cover everything – far from it. But they are diligently working toward being self-sufficient.

I believe that this fundraiser will help them make it over the next big hurdle in their journey while their work permits are finalized so they can keep a roof over their heads and find a sustainable life here in Chicago. They have worked so hard to get this far.

They have inspired me and I've learned that even when the situation is daunting, we can do something. Together, we can make a difference one family at a time. Please consider helping to give this family a leg up to create a better future for their girls…to have a safe place to put them to sleep every night.

As I approach my 60th birthday (gulp!), I can say I have a better perspective than ever on what matters. This cause is very important to me and I can think of no better gift than seeing Mariela, Yoel, Melany and Mia succeed.

Thank you.