Lazarus House can help
Recently the Kane County Coroner's office officially declared the cause of a recent Geneva death a suicide. How sad that one of our neighbors could feel so hopeless that they would make the decision to end their life. Yet, as the economy continues to bottom out, many people are losing hope. What can we do as a community to help our neighbors who are suffering, often in silence?
First and foremost, we can create a culture of permission, where it's safe and comfortable to openly admit that all is not well. The best way to do that is for each of us to talk about how tough things are for everyone, and share a personal story about how you or someone you know has been affected by the economic downturn. If people hear that others are having difficulty, too, they may be much more willing to share their story and be open to help.
Secondly, talk about the fact that there is hope and help available in the community by calling Lazarus House at (630) 587-5872 or the Salvation Army at (630) 377-2769. While we don't have unlimited resources or all the answers, we do have access to some grant funding that may help people stay housed, and we know who to put folks in touch with to get help with things such as utility or prescription assistance. Many people in our community have never before had to ask for help, and so they are very embarrassed and don't know where to turn.
Should it not be possible for folks to stay in their housing, our neighbors need to know that Lazarus House is here to give them a safe, warm temporary home with good food and lots of support services that can help them get back on their feet. If they have children who are attending school in a neighboring school district, the law says a homeless family can continue to send their kids to that district. Districts, pick up the tab for transportation.
We must do all we can to assure that another of our neighbors doesn't fall into despair and decide to end their life because they feel the situation is hopeless. Lazarus House is here to help.
Darlene Marcusson
Executive Director
Lazarus House
St. Charles