Pregnant, Freezing and Homeless

The Chicago area is experiencing dangerously bitter cold weather this week. Thousands of homeless individuals and families are left to fend for themselves in the streets. Among these are young women who are pregnant, homeless and alone.

Without the help of Aid for Women, residents at Heather's House and Monica's House, our maternity homes, would be facing these plummeting temperatures without a safe place to stay.

Their stories are real, and alarming. One of our current residents was living in her car for close to two months before finding a home with us and preparing for her baby boy who is coming in May. Two other current residents were finding somewhere to spend their days and then hoping and praying that a friend, family member, or co-worker would allow them to stay the night, maybe take a hot shower, and have a couch, air mattress, or even a blanket on the floor to sleep on. If not, they would try to find refuge at a 24-hour fast food restaurant or even the CTA, riding back and forth to stay out of the cold. Another resident was in just this dilemma only a few months ago, and if she had not found our home, she would be searching for a warm place to sleep again tonight, only this time with her three-week old baby.

This Emergency Appeal invites you to join with us in helping the women and children who are reaching out to us, desperate for basic necessities in this extreme weather. Please click the DONATE tab on this website to respond to this special request.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers that make it possible for Aid for Women to serve the most vulnerable in our midst.