Guest Spotlight: Meet Elijah

The way that I was living just wasn’t working. Fourteen months ago, I began the most important challenge of my life – recovery. For almost three decades, my addictions ruled my life. I had stayed in multiple shelter programs after returning to Chicago from my service in the Army in the late ‘70s, and a friend in one of the programs told me about LPCS’ Community Engagement Program. He told me I could go there on the weekend to wash my clothes and get a good, hot meal. This was the start of my interaction with LPCS.

While attending the CEP program, LPCS helped me get my birth certificate and get on their waiting list to be housed. On April 3, 2012, I was blessed to have the opportunity to move into the shelter and begin a new life for myself. I was finally able to get good rest, and be in a community that engaged in positive activities that helped me stay determined to succeed in my recovery. Not only did I tell myself “Don’t give up, don’t quit, do it one day at a time,” but I heard this message from the staff every day. 

After about three and a half months of being at LPCS, I was able to move into permanent housing for veterans. With the continued support of LPCS, I have gained employment, set up a bank account, and joined a union. My Church and community support groups have also been very supportive of my new life and I believe that God has directed me to these people to help lead a better life.

I return to the shelter at least once a week for dinner, and mentor and encourage current guests to stay focused and work as hard for themselves as LPCS works for them. It is the best shelter in Chicago and would like to thank them for believing in me.