Help Ease Local Poverty (HELP)

HELP provides 130 meals every Wednesday evening to disadvantaged and homeless individuals in our community. The meals are donated by area restaurants and hotels looking to make a difference in their community. The meals are served at Catholic Charities at 721 N. La Salle Street.

In addition to being served a nutritious meal, guests can also visit with doctors, nurses, psychologists and social workers and sign up for drug rehabilitation, job training programs, homeless shelters and literacy tutoring.

Annually, HELP distributes refurbished bikes, helmets, and locks to guests during its yearly bike fairs and HELP guests receive a holiday gift bag that contains more than 36 necessity of life. HELP also sponsors a “Through the Lens of HELP” calendar project every year. Cameras are distributed to our guests and a calendar is created using the 12 winning photos. The HELP Calendar is available for sale in our website store while supplies last.

HELP was formed in 2000 in an effort to help the disadvantaged in the Near North Side of Chicago, and merged with Jane Addams Hull House Association in 2008. HELP partners with many community organizations, including Catholic Charities, Fourth Presbyterian Church, Holy Name Cathedral and Lawson House.

Please contact Mark Tisdahl if you would like to volunteer at one of our meals or would like more information.

Seven girls from the Girl Scout Troop #20155 volunteering at the Wednesday weekly hot meal at Catholic Charities.