Offering a helping hand through difficult times

Back in 1987, the Chicago Chesed Fund came into existence when homes in Chicago’s Jewish community were discovered without food, clothing and furniture. There were even families facing eviction or foreclosure. And since most of these families weren't eligible for any state or federal funds, they had no one to turn to. So the Chicago Chesed Fund was created to alleviate the suffering of individuals and families struggling through hard times.

Today, more families now receive emergency utility payments and foreclosure-prevention loans from the Chicago Chesed Fund. More families now visit the Chicago Chesed Fund’s 44,000-square foot warehouse to “shop” hundreds of food and household items, furniture, appliances, children’s clothing and baby supplies. More brides receive the Chicago Chesed Fund’s help in setting up their new households—as well as borrowing wedding gowns, headpieces and centerpieces. And through Job Link, more of the unemployed are getting help finding work.

All this barely scratches the surface of the many vital services the Chicago Chesed Fund provides to the growing number of families in need.

The Chicago Chesed Fund philosophy is simple. Jewish community members occasionally need a helping hand to get through difficult times and that with proper assistance they can become stronger, and self-sufficient.

And we do it with the lowest administrative expenses possible. All fund raising, accounting and verifying the needs of clients is done by volunteers. All Chicago Chesed Fund gemach services are run exclusively by volunteers. And since our warehouse is paid for by private donors, you never have to worry about your donation dollars going to fund a building. What’s more, 100% of all holiday contributions to Chicago Chesed Fund go directly to Chicago-area Jewish families in need.

Because of how we operate, when someone calls in need, help often arrives within minutes. That’s because in an emergency, minutes are often the difference between staying on one’s feet and falling. We have found that treating those who need help with dignity leads them to recover more quickly, with greater self respect and with a greater sense of community responsibility.

The Chicago Chesed Fund is proud member of the Greater Chicago Food Depository, and is not affiliated with any public agency. Contributions come from individual donors, foundation partners and the State of Illinois.

All services are offered to those in need on a non-discriminatory basis, reaching individuals and families throughout metropolitan Chicago. The Chicago Chesed Fund is a 501 (c)(3) tax exempt organization.