The Backpackers

02/07/2024

A few days ago we lost a close friend to the Backpackers. Our first business connect Jacques of the Jacques International Language Academy passed. He helped support us by allowing us the first space we could start creating aid packs and moving other survival needs through the Rogers Park area. We wish our most sincere condolences to those he is leaving behind.

Without his open heart it would have been difficult to store any goods first purchased and we can only thank him from the bottom of our hearts.

Linked below is the family's GoFundMe page. They are attempting to raise funds for funeral expenses. If you wish to assist please feel free to do so

Dear Friends, Family, and Community, My name is Hicham and I supported Jacques a… Hicham Changuit needs your support for In Loving Memory of Jacques Sarr

07/29/2023

Good morning!

Today, The Backpack Operation gave away 300 socks courtesy of Bombas! Please reach out on Facebook or Instagram if you want any or know of any homeless encampments or shelters in the area running low on socks! 🫶🏼

07/13/2023

So I’m working with the backpackers for my capstone project for my masters degree! Please feel free to chime in! I need responses for my paper due on Sunday! -Kyleigh

In the bustling city of Chicago, where the homeless population faces daily challenges and struggles, a small nonprofit organization called the Backpack Operation has emerged as a beacon of hope. The Backpack Operation has a deep commitment to making a difference in the lives of those experiencing ho...

12/23/2022

Welcome back!

As we all know today its -1 and feels like -26 with the windchill.

Here is what the homeless face during Chicago’s frigid winter months:

* Hypothermia starts when your body temperature drops below 95 degrees, and it is life threatening when body temperature gets below 85 degrees.

* When it is wet or windy, the risk for hypothermia greatly increases.

* They risk frost bite, which can occur in a matter of minutes on fingers, toes, ears and noses.

According to Chicago.gov here are a list of warming centers available in the city:

Englewood Community Service Center, 1140 West 79th Street, Chicago, IL 60620, 312-747-0200

Garfield Community Service Center, 10 South Kedzie Avenue, Chicago, IL 60612, 312-746-5400

Dr. Martin Luther King Community Service Center, 4314 South Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60653, 312-747-2300

North Area Community Service Center, 845 West Wilson Avenue, Chicago, IL 60640, 312-744-2580

South Chicago Community Service Center, 8650 South Commercial Avenue, Chicago, IL 60617, 312-747-0500

Trina Davila Community Service Center, 4312 West North Avenue, Chicago, IL 60639, 312-744-2014

As well as….

When temperatures are at 32 degrees or below – warming areas are available at the City’s six community service centers from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

* The warming areas are available for all residents in need of safe refuge and relief from extreme cold weather.

* Residents must wear a cloth face covering while in the warming areas due to COVID-19 safety precautions.

* City-operated libraries and park facilities also may activate warming areas, if needed, including during evening hours, weekends and holidays.

* For assistance after hours, residents should call 311 to be connected to available services – including placement to an available shelter bed.

* The Garfield Community Service Center at 10 South Kedzie, is open on a 24-hour basis to connect families and residents to emergency shelter.

* Unless specifically indicated, warming areas typically are not open when temperatures are higher than 32 degrees, on holidays and evening hours.
* Hours and days may be extended under extreme conditions and/or from the direction of the City’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications.

Welcome to the official City of Chicago Website. The source for information about City services, departments, programs and initiatives, and officials for Chicago residents, businesses, and visitors.

12/17/2022

This morning we're hitting the West Side. Thanks for the assist Starbucks, all of the winter goods provided by your partners and customers will do good for the displaced on the west side of chicago!!

11/30/2022

Want to help out this holiday season? Consider looking into this! Anything you can that helps keep our neighbors warm 🤍

https://www.instagram.com/p/CljlrnCPAxm/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

09/13/2022

….and we’re back! With a late evening meet the team Monday! Today we are meeting Alicia!

Here are Alicia’s getting to know you questions:

What is your favorite cereal?
fruity pebbles!

What, if anything, have you re-gifted?
when I was younger somebody gave me a gift card for a foot massage. I'm very particular about my massages but back then I thought I hated massages so I regifted it. Now many year's later my older self cannot stop thinking about how foolish I was. Lol

What was your childhood nickname?
leash

What way does your toilet paper hang on the wall? Over it under?
over of course!

Here is what Alicia does for the team:

I am at the logistics manager for The Backpack Operation. I organize, prep and execute events. An example of said event would be our packing parties where we construct care / hygiene packs for those in need. I also organize our Amazon Charity Wishlist so that we can keep these packs full of the essentials. I assist Brit, the director of logistics, with keeping the team on track and goal oriented.

Anything else you would like our followers to know?

I would love our followers to know that they can donate without even spending money if they make us their Amazon Smile charity! Amazon will donate to us 0.5% off of most purchases made through Amazon. All you have to do is add us as your charity and go on with your normal Amazon purchases!