June 19 marks 'Lazarus House Good Neighbor Day'

June 19 marks "Lazarus House Good Neighbor Day," which is a great time to remember that, as a community, we have neighbors in crisis that are in need of our help.

Many people have misconceptions when they hear the word "homeless." One definition is an individual without permanent housing who may live on the streets; stay in a shelter, abandoned building or vehicle; or in any other unstable or nonpermanent situation.

The reality is … it could be any one of us, our neighbors, our friends, or the clerk at your favorite grocery store. Homelessness has no face, no gender, no age. Every individual and family wants to keep a roof over their head, food on their tables and a job that pays enough to afford their bills. Unfortunately, this is not always possible for a variety of reasons and circumstances.

That is why Lazarus House, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, strives to provide services to these men, women, and children who are in need.

"We are forever grateful to former Mayor Don DeWitte for proclaiming June 19 as 'Lazarus House Good Neighbor Day;' for, that gives us a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness on the issue of homelessness," Eakins added.

Now entering its 18th year, Lazarus House has served hundreds of at-risk neighbors.

The shelter provides a safe home with caring hospitality, nourishing meals and customized case management to help its shelter and transitional living guests address their issues and regain independence. The Outreach (rental assistance) department is a lifeline for 38 households monthly who might face eviction if it weren't for the grant-funded rental subsidies and support services Lazarus House provides.

"Lazarus House lives the "good neighbor" philosophy in multiple ways," Eakins said. "Not only does Lazarus House extend a neighborly hand to those in need who have a connection to the local community, we benefit from the neighborly hand of all our supporters - the churches and volunteer groups who bring in prepared meals for each night's dinner, the volunteers who assist staff with shelter operations and special projects, the donors who deliver much-needed supplies and so forth. We are truly blessed by the good neighbors around us."

Donations are welcome to support the daily operations and can be made via the website, www.lazarushouseonline.com, or by mailing a gift to Lazarus House, 214 Walnut St., St. Charles, IL 60174. Lazarus House is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization so gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Lazarus House serves people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and connected to St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia and rural Kane County. People needing shelter should call (630) 587-2144. People seeking rent or utility assistance should call (630) 587-5872.