Adam's Second Chance Started with Us
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Meet Adam.
Adam, 55, has always believed in hard work. His first job was washing dishes at Sawa’s Old Warsaw Restaurant in the southern suburb of Broadview. From there, he built a long career in grocery retail, steadily working his way up with management roles with chains including Dominick’s and Jewel. By 2024, Adam had become a head buyer overseeing multiple store locations.
As his retirement date approached last year, life took a difficult turn. Adam went through a divorce, lost his home, and became estranged from his family. After decades of steady work, he found himself homeless—living on the streets, often hungry, cold, and struggling with a loss of self-esteem. He sometimes slept on trains and, by his own admission, stubbornly avoided shelters. He was also battling alcoholism.
Eventually, Adam moved into Franciscan Outreach’s shelter at 10 S. Kedzie just to survive. One evening he arrived too late to secure a bed and was told to call 311 for assistance. The 311 folks fouind him a bed at our shelter the very same day.
Moving into our shelter marked a turning point for him.
Adam says that we have given him the time and stability he needs to rebuild his life. “Without NSHSS, I wouldn’t be able to do the things I’m doing now,” he says. He’s grateful for the basics—a clean facility, outstanding meals, and a warm bed—but what stands out most is the sense of safety and respect he experiences at our shelter. The staff’s support has helped him overcome the stigma and shock of homelessness.
Today, Adam is waiting for permanent housing. In the coming months, he expects to begin receiving his pension and hopes to move into his own apartment soon after. Our case managers have helped him obtain his ID and a new phone and are helping him find an apartment. He’s reconnecting with his daughters and rebuilding those relationships.
Most importantly, Adam is now eight months sober and attends weekly AA meetings at the shelter.
For Adam, the opportunity to rebuild his life means everything—and he’s determined to make the most of it.
Help us help men like Adam turn their lives around with a donation today.