Stories from the Street: Lenne's Story

When I first met Lenna she was opening the door for an elderly woman entering the Dunkin Donuts at the corner of Wabash and Adams. Lenna said she doesn’t go around opening doors for everyone, but "this lady looked like she needed some help."
I introduced myself and shook her hand. As our eyes met, I could see a lot of pain and fear behind her eyes. As we talked she became more relaxed and shared her experience of being homeless for 5 years and selling Streetwise.

Before I knew it she was telling me the story of how she was studying to get her GED. She pulled out here recent test scores from her purse and showed me that she had earned a passing grade in all areas of the test except for Math. She scored a 370, but needed a 410. She was determined to pass and leverage this success to get a better paying job.

Though we spoke for just a few minutes she shared with me her hopes, her desires, and her dreams. I don’t know all of what she’s been through in her past, but I know she’s determined to persevere and get off the streets in the near future. Let’s all say a prayer in support of Lenna and her journey to a better life.

Join me in supporting folks like Lenna as I work to raise $5,000 for men and women who are homeless as I train for the October 2011 Chicago Marathon. Tax deductible donations can be made at http://www.active.com/donate/crossroadsrunners/edduffy

Stories from the Street: David's Story

I met David on Madison Avenue one day around lunchtime. He's an easy-going fellow who takes things one day at a time. He's been homeless for 2 years and stays at Pacific Garden Mission. They provide him with meals, a place to sleep, and a daily helping of scripture verses.

What David really wants is to find a factory job. He doesn't have any leads right now but he remains hopeful. Join me in raising $5,000 to help folks living on the streets like David as I train for this October's Chicago Marathon. Tax deductible donations can be made at http://www.active.com/donate/crossroadsrunners/edduffy

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

Week One of Marathon Training

So it begins. I awoke to a cold, blustery May morning here in Chicago as our Crossroads Runners group began our training for the Chicago Marathon.

It was nice to start to get to know other runners in the group as we ran and stretched our way from Oz Park to the lakefront. I think we were all a little nervous, thinking, "What have I gotten myself into," and "Are these the people I want to be doing this with?" Without the motivation of training with a group, I'm sure we all would have stayed in bed a bit longer this morning.

On the running path it was interesting to see hundreds of other runners up at 8:00 AM on a Saturday morning running. I think there is comfort in numbers when you think about the madness of training to run 26.2 miles. You figure, "Well at least I'm no the only crazy person who has signed up to run this thing." I think there is a little bit of scoping each other out to see who's got the coolest running outfit and wondering privately if yours measures up. All that ego stuff kind of fades away quickly though when it's time to run. A little bit of conversation here and there, but mostly trying to settle in and center yourself on the long journey ahead. Thanks for your support!