“Kindness” is our middle name – literally.

We call ourselves the Chicago Chesed Fund because Chesed is the Hebrew word for kindness, and that’s what we are all about.

For 25 years, we’ve remained committed to helping Jewish families in crisis throughout metropolitan Chicago by providing immediate assistance.  

We opened our doors in 1987 with food distribution and financial assistance programs to 35 families. 

Today, our more than 20 programs and services provide vital assistance to over 3,000 individuals a year. Our original budget of $100,000 has since grown to over $4 million.

shoesOur 44,000-square-foot “warehouse of kindness” in Lincolnwood has served as our headquarters since 2005. We offer a wide array of programs and services, aimed at battling hunger, preventing eviction and homelessness, and providing needy families with basics such as furniture and clothing. Our flagship program is our food pantry, which has helped us become one of the largest food distribution centers in northern Cook county. 

We aren’t just another social services organization. 

  • Our response is immediate, coming only hours after a request for assistance is made. 
  • We realize the importance of maintaining our clients’ dignity, and offer assistance with sensitivity and discretion.  
  • We are dedicated to addressing the specific cultural needs of the Chicago Jewish community – such as the need for kosher food, a Jewish education, and access to culturally appropriate care and resources.

treeToday, the Chicago Chesed Fund serves Jewish families throughout the city of Chicago, primarily in the Rogers Park, Peterson Park, and Albany Park neighborhoods, and some northern suburbs. We offer assistance on a non-discriminatory basis, yet all clients must show a demonstrable need. 

Over the last quarter of a century, we’ve made a real difference in the lives of hundreds of Jewish families throughout the city of Chicago. We’ve helped them put food on the table, clothe their children and pay their mortgage – and get back on the road to self-sufficiency. 

In short, we’ve helped strengthen the very fabric of our Jewish community.

Yet, in recent years, the economic climate has led to a significant increase in demand for our services.  Even as we continue to expand to meet this need, we remain true to the vision of our founders – to offer personalized, immediate assistance to those in need. 

 

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