NEW ERA OF RESPONSIBILITY

In his inaugural address, President Barack Obama has called for Americans to participate in “a new era of responsibility.” He went on further to say, “For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies.”

The need for individuals everywhere to act and serve is surely great. Especially hard hit though, are families who have lost their housing during this economic crisis. Referrals to the Chicago Public Schools Homeless Education Program are 45% ahead of last year. As of December, more than 9,000 students were identified as homeless in the Chicago Public Schools. This number will continue to grow as the crisis deepens.

If you have heard President Obama’s call to serve and would like to answer it, we would invite you to serve with Chicago HOPES. Whether it is volunteering as a tutor in a homeless shelter or donating money to our program, it is the support of community members like you that makes our program possible. For more information, check our Web site www.chicagoHOPES.org/, email ChicagoHOPES@cps.k12.il.us or call our Volunteer Coordinator Ebonie Tillmon at (773) 553- 2066.