Chicago City Church Helps People Off Streets

Lawrence grew up in a Chicago suburb, held a good job, and made good money. But then he discovered drugs. And soon all of his money went to supporting his habit. He found himself living out of a garbage can in Chicago, mixed up with drug deals and gangs, and with multiple gunshot wounds to prove it.

Lawrence began eating some meals at Chicago City Church in Englewood, one of Chicago’s most struggling neighborhoods, and quickly became a regular. Monica and Chris, the church pastors, welcomed Lawrence and got to know him over the course of an entire year. Eventually, he started attending the service on Sunday morning.

At 50 years old, Lawrence, with Chris and Monica’s encouragement, entered a partnering rehabilitation program in the neighborhood. In the program, he not only stopped taking drugs, but he also received job training, life skills training, and spiritual discipleship. “By the grace of God, I am a new creation.”

Now graduated from the program, Lawrence is moving into Chicago City Church’s transitional housing, along with the church staff and other men who have graduated. Even though the church has been using the building for the last eight years, it is old and dirty, unsafe in some areas, and completely unusable in others.

How the Storeshouse is Helping

That’s where the Storehouse of World Vision comes in. “The Storehouse gives us the resources we need to develop our community in a realistic way,” said Pastor Chris. With products from the Storehouse that they would not be able to afford otherwise, Chicago City Church can provide safe transitional housing for the men and women they serve on a daily basis. They are currently renovating the building for additional living space, with help from Storehouse products and volunteers. Fresh coats of donated paint make the rooms cheerful, and new tile in the entryway welcomes residents home.

Lawrence now works for the church and encourages other men to get off the streets. Lawrence is grateful for a new home. “I’m loving it. These are the people who love me in spite of myself,” he said. And with the help of products from the Storehouse, many others will find new homes at Chicago City Church as well.

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