Hi, my name is Israel Hernandez, Senior Pastor of the Good Shepherd Church in Cicero, IL. On July 2, 2024, the Good Shepherd Church, was a victim of a devastating loss due to an unprecedented amount of rain that caused significant damage to the Fellowship/Community Hall which has been a symbol of unity and a gathering place for the work that we do in the community. We suffered significant damage to our floors, all the walls, and also to our school supplies that we had collected all year for our 18th yearly Back-To-School Fair in which we give free school supplies and clothes to children in our community that are in need... Our unreimbursed losses total in excess of $25,000. According to the 2024 Census data, we serve a community that is 91% minority with a per capita income of $21, 663 which is about half of the suburban-county metro area ($42,380). The poverty rate is approximately 18%, which is 1.5 times the rate in Illinois. Lastly, 45% of our households are led by a single parent, and 80% of those homes report speaking Spanish in the home. Our church is no different today than those of years past when those in need looked to the church for assistance. I remember in the year past a little girl about the age of 12 was with her little brother and they were sitting in front of the door of the church when we arrived to prepare for the Back-to-School Fair. I asked her, “Why are you here so early”? and she replied, “…..we didn’t want to miss getting school our supplies”. Of course, we opened our doors, and they were the first recipients! Now, because of 25,000 dollars in unreimbursed losses, our small church feels the crunch. With our post-covid attendance & offerings down we are forced to divert a large chunk of resources toward mitigation & restoration so that mold will not encompass our Fellowship/Community Hall. This is why we are asking you to help us. I realize many people are busy with their personal affairs, but by helping us to help others in need, you too will be joining us in the spirit of giving children in need a good start to a new school year. Your generosity, of any amount, will be greatly appreciated. So, will you join with us? Thank you! [**If you prefer not to do an electronic donation, you can mail a check to: Good Shepherd Church, 5930 W. 28th St., Cicero, IL 60804 / in the memo write 'Flood Relief'.]
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