Warmest Winter Chicago | SocialWorks

Warmest Winter
Taste for the Homeless

Warmest Winter is a seasonal initiative inspiring others through service.

SocialWorks’ Warmest Winter aims to raise awareness and provide relief for the homeless and transient community through forward-thinking service, experiences, and donations.

In recent years the City of Chicago has taken a proactive stance towards the homeless – forcibly removing individuals and cracking down on citizens that try to help. The Warmest Winter is meant to alleviate this, providing a safe way for individuals to give and a safe way for the homeless to receive. From November – February, SocialWorks will facilitate the Warmest Winter, providing volunteer opportunities, experiences, and contributions that benefit the homeless.

Statistics on Chicago homelessness

An analysis by Chicago Coalition for the Homeless estimates that 125,848 Chicagoans were homeless in the course of the 2014-15 school year. This is partly based on the 20,205 homeless students who were identified by Chicago Public Schools (CPS).

Another 11.3% of students (2,279) lived in shelters, and 1.7% lived in motels (136), in a park or other “public place” (55), or in a temporary foster care placement (163).

Source - Chicago Coalition for the Homeless
An Event for Chicago’s Homeless

Taste for the Homeless was created after years of research, executed by Michael Airhart. While Michael action’s provided food and shelter, Michael noticed his contribution provided something bigger. A taste of compassion. A taste of concern. A taste of conversation and a taste of hope.

The Taste for the Homeless is an event showcasing the community available to the homeless, providing them a nurturing and inclusive environment to socialize and receive and seek much-needed materials.