Matthew E. (He/Him)

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, 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.

“I first became homeless right as COVID hit. I was working IT at the time, but my contract fell through because of the pandemic. Then, around the same time, my girlfriend and I broke up - which was what really effected my living situation. I was living at this homeless connection service for about a year before getting connected to Inspiration Corporation. […] They helped me with transportation services, updating my resume, doctors appointments, and now [after a year and a half] with an apartment.”

- Matthew E.

“I have a 12 year old son who I haven’t seen in about two years, which has been killing me. […] I didn’t have anywhere to bring him, but that’s different now. I have my own place and all this nice stuff, so I hope I can change that soon.”

- Matthew E.

“The people [are my favorite thing about CFB]! It's also awesome to see your client come in and, you know, their eyes widen and they say "I get to choose from all of this?" and its like “yeah!” It’s this added experience that makes they housing they receive feel more like their own home.”

- Michael, Caseworker at Inspiration Corporation

ABOUT Inspiration corporation:

In an atmosphere of dignity and respect, Inspiration Corporation connects people and creates opportunity through access to social services, job training, housing, and food. With a red wagon and homemade sandwiches, we started from the need to help and feed Chicagoans affected by homelessness and poverty. Inspiration Corporation was founded in 1989 by Lisa Nigro, a former police officer who was searching for a personal response to the people she encountered on her beat.