Stories from the Street: John's Story

John is a big man, standing over six feet tall. He's a big man, but he's also got a big heart. He's a husband and a father with three kids. They live on Lower Wacker Drive. John and his family are homeless.

John had high hopes when he finished his degree in Engineering at Mississippi State, but he's been unable to find a job in construction so he sits at the corner of Wells and Adams asking for money to support him and his family.

When I told him I was also looking for a job, he brightened up and offered me some suggestions of places to try. "Have you tried UIC or Illinois State?" He also cracked a smile when he started talking about being an uncle.

I don't know much more about John's history, but in this brief exchange with him I can tell he is a family man who just wants to provide for his family. He may be faceless and nameless to some who pass him on the street, but to others he goes by the name John, Dad, and husband.

Join me in raising $5,000 to help break the cycle of homelessness for women and men like John in Chicago, as I train for this years Chicago Marathon. I invite you to make a tax deductible donation at http://www.active.com/donate/crossroadsrunners/edduffy

Stories from the Street: Brenda's Story

Brenda grew up on the West Side, but she has no family to speak of today. She finds shelter in the evenings at the Pacific Garden Mission, but tells me that the food is not that good. She holds a sign that says, "By the grace of God I am hungry and homeless." What a radical statement that is! Her circumstances are dire but she trusts that God is going to use her in this situation for his glory. Another person might curse God in this situation, but Brenda somehow holds fast to her faith.

Join me in raising $5,000 to help break the cycle of homelessness for women and men like Brenda in Chicago, as I train for this years Chicago Marathon. I invite you to make a tax deductible donation at http://www.active.com/donate/crossroadsrunners/edduffy

Stories from the Street: Ricky's Story

Week 3 of my marathon training has been tough - - first pulling a hamstring and then catching a cold. But that's nothing compared to what folks like Ricky are challenged with every day in the struggle against homelessness.

I met Ricky last week on Grand Avenue. He was recently layed off from his job from the Mayflower Moving Company. As we spoke, he clung to two pictures of his young daughters. He asked for help supporting his family of five.

He was a quiet, proud man. A little embarrassed to be on the street asking for money. But he needed the money to keep a temporary roof over his family's head - - a room at a cheap motel near O'Hare. Say a prayer for Ricky and those like him this week, struggling to provide for their families - - and help me raise money for the homeless as I train for the Chicago Marathon. Peace.

Stories from the Street: Donnie's Story

Perched at his usual spot on the sidewalk outside St. Peter's Church on Madison Street, Donnie is a homeless man who is a fixture in the neighborhood. He struggles to keep things together while living on the street but is grateful for the graces he receives daily. Yesterday a man bought him some new clothes to wear. Last week another offered to pay him $60 to help move their offices. Today he is hoping to get $5.00 to allow him ride the train all night. His shirt says, "I smile because I have no idea what is going on," but he trusts.

He is keenly aware that God's grace is what sustains him. The tone of his voice is eager, not desperate as he asks for money and shares his story. He trusts that God will provide.

Meet Donnie. He is one of the many men and women on the street I am running the Chicago Marathon for this fall. Help me raise $5,000 to help them break the cycle of poverty. http://www.active.com/donate/crossroadsrunners/edduffy