Help a sweet Venezuelan family get on their feet

In November 2023 I had the honor of meeting a family of four who recently arrived in Chicago after fleeing their homeland in Venezuela. While on the bus one Saturday evening I noticed them immediately. They were carrying leftover food and a massive duffle bag that turned out to be filled with canned goods that were presumably donated to them. It was pretty cold out and they weren’t dressed well for the season. We happened to be getting off the bus at the same spot so I offered to help them carry their belongings to their train stop.

I hung around with them until the train arrived. Through Google Translate they shared some of their story with me. They were heading to a shelter that was about 90 minutes away via public transit. We’ve since stayed in touch, texting regularly with help from Google Translate. My wonderful sister picked up some great winter clothing for them at a thrift store back home, which I delivered to them in Dolton, where a caring family brought them in their home. 

Well, that family had family of their own coming to town so my new friend Juan Torres and his wife Edyma, son Mathias and daughter Jannelly need to find new shelter immediately. 

Juan has been working odd jobs when he can, but currently has very limited funds. I’m going to do everything I can to help them land on their feet. If any friends, friends of friends, or just plain kind souls could also contribute, I would appreciate your generosity greatly. 

Thank you for reading! 

A great pic of a lovely family

When they lived in Venezuela, Juan drove this large tourist bus for his job. He misses it greatly and would like to get back into driving when he and his family establish some roots here in the U.S.