(Above) Two Chicago Loop Alliance Street Ambassadors walk south on State Street on February 12.

September 12, 2014 – Thousands of personal interactions with downtown’s homeless have led to a resource guide the Chicago Loop Alliance says will be part of an “arsenal of vital information for individuals in need.”

The guide directs people to food, shelter, health care, and possibly employment.

Since October 2013, CLA “street ambassadors” have helped homeless people in the central business district. The experience, says the alliance, has led to a better understanding of the needs of the homeless.

The non-profit organization, charged with making downtown a better place, worked on the project with The Magnificent Mile Charitable Foundation and The Chicago Help Initiative.

“CHI felt that a decent and compassionate response to someone asking for help was needed and we wanted to make sure that what was given was really helpful,” says CHI director Douglas Fraser (below).

“The resource guide connects a hungry person to hot meals, groceries, shelters, and the resources they need to get off the street. Not every person asking will take the help that is offered right away. We know that. But what we hope is, when the time comes that they do seek change, they have this information.”

Copies of the guide are being offered to downtown advocacy organizations, social service agencies, and other Loop stakeholders.

 : Resource Guide