Help Mariano's Jen Get Back on Her Feet
Donation protected
How are you today? I asked as I handed her a few dollars. These were the first words I uttered to Jen and I recall being immediately struck by her response. It wasn't what she said but rather the warmth in her voice. We chatted for a moment then I proceeded to head into the store. I often hand the homeless a few dollars and say hi but there was something different here, she didn't seem like the type of person that I would expect to be homeless. She was reading a book, spoke in a seasoned but soft voice, and had a pleasant clarity to her words. Thus began my new friendship with Mariano's Jen. Now I call her that because she always sits just inside the parking garage of the West Loop Marianos at Halsted & Monroe. If you've been there I promise you've seen her sitting just inside the garage parking area.
That was last Fall so over the course of the winter I have now visited her nearly every week to check in. I give her assistance whether it's money or dog food for Fluffy (yes, her dog's name is Fluffy), or to bring lunch or any necessities she might need.
As you can imagine her story isn't ideal. While I don't know all the details I do know that she didn't have the best of upbringings and has had a tough life. I'm not sure how old she is but has mentioned somewhere in her 40's. She had a stroke a few years back that lead to the loss of sight in her left eye, incapacitated her for an extended period, put her out of work and ultimately on the streets where she is today.
The purpose of the fundraiser is to get her back on her feet. She really hopes to work again and be productive. She's getting public housing very soon but will still need money for furnishings, utilities, etc. She needs a foundation of basic needs being met so she can then move forward. I plan to manage the funds until she is on her feet and we have established a budget and priorities. If you can help even just a little bit it would be greatly appreciated. Either contribute to the Go Fund Me here or stop and see Jen at Marianos' on give to her directly! Thank you
That was last Fall so over the course of the winter I have now visited her nearly every week to check in. I give her assistance whether it's money or dog food for Fluffy (yes, her dog's name is Fluffy), or to bring lunch or any necessities she might need.
As you can imagine her story isn't ideal. While I don't know all the details I do know that she didn't have the best of upbringings and has had a tough life. I'm not sure how old she is but has mentioned somewhere in her 40's. She had a stroke a few years back that lead to the loss of sight in her left eye, incapacitated her for an extended period, put her out of work and ultimately on the streets where she is today.
The purpose of the fundraiser is to get her back on her feet. She really hopes to work again and be productive. She's getting public housing very soon but will still need money for furnishings, utilities, etc. She needs a foundation of basic needs being met so she can then move forward. I plan to manage the funds until she is on her feet and we have established a budget and priorities. If you can help even just a little bit it would be greatly appreciated. Either contribute to the Go Fund Me here or stop and see Jen at Marianos' on give to her directly! Thank you
Organizer
Michael Hulett
Organizer
Chicago, IL