Catholic Charities Senior Services is dedicated to advocating for seniors, helping enrich their lives to the fullest extent possible, and a recent cold wave in Chicago brought out the best in team members as they continued to fulfill that mission.

The second weekend in January brought sub-zero temperatures throughout the Windy City and its suburbs. That became a sudden, significant concern before 7:00am on Friday, January 12 as heating concerns arose in three Catholic Charities’ Affordable Housing residences. As the first questions were raised, Catholic Charities Facilities Department immediately responded to ensure that the heat was, indeed working properly, and that the daily routines of our senior residents continued, uninterrupted.

At the Donald Kent Residence, a generator was installed to provide continuous heat until the main power source was fully restored. In addition, at Catholic Charities’ Frances Manor and Bishop Goedert residences, unstable power was monitored throughout the day and determined to be normalized by 5:00pm.

During those anxious hours of uncertainty on that cold Friday, Senior Services’ staff united in focused support for the residents of these three buildings. Starbucks’ coffee and hot chocolate were provided to the Donald Kent residents, followed by Subway boxed lunches provided by the Village of Northlake. An additional 80 boxed lunches from Subway were provided to the residents of Frances Manor. 

Throughout the day, staff walked all five floors of the Donald Kent Residence, knocking on doors to conduct well-being checks. Games and coffee were provided in the common areas of all three residences while Catholic Charities’ Facilities Department worked with Commonwealth Edison to stabilize the heat. 

Senior Service Coordination team members and Housing staff delivered meals to residents who did not come to the common areas. Well-being checks were also conducted by phone throughout the day. Service Coordination was in constant communication with the Village of Northlake and the Mayor’s Office, preparing back-up plans. Catholic Charities’ staff contacted PACE to ensure that warm buses would be available, as needed. They also had a block of hotel rooms reserved, just in case. Staff members also encouraged residents of these three apartment buildings to reach out to loved ones, in the event that the power was not fully restored. 

Reflecting on the swift, selfless response of so many caring Catholic Charities staff members who came together in record time to respond in numerous, compassionate ways that Friday, Angela Bailey, Associate Vice-President, Senior Services said, “There is nothing to regret with a job well done. Despite the challenges, staff may have faced personally, due to the weather, they answered the call and made our senior residents a priority.” 

Gina Cleggs, Senior Vice-President, Senior Services added, “The Seniors and Housing Team did an exemplary job of taking care of our residents who are most vulnerable during times of frigid temperatures. They worked nonstop to ensure that our residents were cared for. It is indeed a blessing and an honor to lead such an incredible team. This is what they do every day.”