CHICAGO FURNITURE BANK - CLIENT STORY SERIES
In this story series, we highlight our clients' journeys, the work they've done with their social service agencies, and their entire CFB experience - from selecting their furniture to moving it in their home. We are grateful to our clients and the agencies they work with for taking the time to share a bit of themselves with us, and with you.
Charles P.
Featherfist
Charles is a veteran who served 9 months in Frankfurt, Germany, before suffering an injury. Since then, Featherfist has been assisting Charles and his partner by getting them out of shelters and into a new apartment. He has a passion for art, cooking, and is excited to move onto the next phase of his life!
Jennifer H.
Housing Opportunities for Women (H.O.W.)
After a fire took Jennifer’s apartment and everything she had, she was at a loss for what to do next. She then got connected to H.O.W. and has been working with them for the past year to get back on her feet. With the goal of becoming self-sufficient in mind, Jennifer is no longer letting her circumstances and hearing disability act as obstacles!
Malik S.
FEATHERFIST - YOUTH PROGRAM
Malik is a single father and a veteran who was struggling to find resources once he completed his service. He found himself winding up in the Cook Country penitentiary, when a Featherfist representative reached out to him about their youth program. Now, he’s focused on finding employment and making a better life for himself and his two sons.
Chavonne A.
CARA COLLECTIVE - CHICAGO
After spending time in a recovery home, Chavonne came back into the main-stream with a fresh perspective on life. She has since partnered with Cara Chicago and been set up with a new job, home, and other resources to give her the support she needs to make a new way for herself.
Jeffrey H.
FEATHERFIST
Jeffrey is a veteran who had no other option but to live in his car when he was faced with unthinkable living conditions from a neglectful landlord. It wasn’t until he reached out to the VA that he was aware of the resources that were available to him. He was then set up with a new apartment and came to CFB seeking furniture for him and his 6 year-old son.
Matthew E.
INSPIRATION CORPORATION
Matthew is a former IT worker who fell on hard times after Covid-19 started back in March of 2020. After two and a half years of being homeless and without work, he’s been connected to a housing program, set up with a new resume and other amenities thanks to Inspiration Corporation! Now, he’s hoping to get a fresh start and reconnect with his 12 year old son.
Michael H.
Precious Blood Ministry (PBM)
Formerly incarcerated, Michael has made an effort to put his life onto a new path by partnering with Precious Blood Ministry. Not only has he been provided with a home for his family and a job working for the city of Chicago, but also a community of leaders and mentors from the same background as him to help him on his new path.
Lamar R.
Center of Housing and Health
After suffering a nearly fatal bullet wound, Lamar went through 16-weeks of physical therapy in order to reach recovery. Following his sessions, he came out with a new outlook on life and a focus on wanting to do right by himself and his four children. Lamar has since partnered with Center of Housing and Health to get himself a new home, an education, and more.
Shalonda N.
La Casa Norte
Shalonda is a single mother and nursing student who was suffering from homelessness - until she entered a lottery with All Chicago. Now, she's partnered with La Casa Norte to find an apartment for her family and pursue her education without worry!
Shan N.
Howard Brown Health
After suffering from uninhabitable living conditions in her old home and spending time in the hospital as a result, Shan got connected to Howard Brown Health to set herself on a path more suited for her. She’s since found herself a comfortable new home, a loving community, and is getting ready to pick up her nursing career again!