Congratulations to
Farhan Ahmed and Chi-Care
Our Green Khalifah for February 2021!
Chi-Care is an inclusive organization with grassroots efforts by volunteers who visit people experiencing homelessness where they live to provide them with warm food and clean water with no strings attached. Farhan Ahmed, the President and Founder of Chi-Care, shared that they believe that people who are homeless deserve to be treated with respect and compassion. Therefore, they aim to be different from any other charitable organization helping unhoused people in the Chicago area. Instead of asking people who need help to come to their organization, Chi-Care’s team of volunteers goes out to homeless encampments throughout Chicago on a weekly basis to feed anyone in need. They cover 400 to 500 meals weekly. During the Giving Tuesday event in December 2020, Chi-Care partnered with several organizations – the Penny Appeal USA, the Downtown Islamic Center, and the Chicago Muslims Green Team to distribute 400 warm meals in environmentally friendly packaging. The Pita Baba restaurant, a local family-owned business that strives to create Middle Eastern experiences, did a great job in providing delicious warm chicken shawarma (sandwich) with water and cookies for dessert. This winter, Chi-Care started their clothing and basic seasonal survival needs drive to collect jackets, coats, hats, gloves, socks, tents, blankets, and heaters in their efforts to keep the recipients warm along with the meals. Another unique feature of Chi-Care is that they do not require people to sign up for their program or even provide their names in order to be helped. Regardless of religion, race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, citizenship or age, everyone is welcome to receive aid as needed.
In Chicago, there are about 80,000 people who are living in the streets, according to diverse estimations, and this number has grown since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Among one of the challenges the Chi-Care is facing is that it depends on its volunteers and donations to help cover the cost of services provided for the population targeted. The work they are doing is vital in serving our neighbors in need. Please help support their organization by donating money, time, or any expertise that you may have. Keep up the great work you’re doing Chi-Care, masha Allah!
