SAN JOSE OBRERO NEWS

SJOM proved a valuable source when La Raza newspaper reported in October on Chicago homelessness. Nearly 75,000 people lack permanent housing here, according to recent non-governmental studies. About 6% of homeless Chicagoans currently living in shelters are Latino, and over 35% are single men.

The numbers indicate San Jose Obrero Mission's crucial role in local efforts to reduce homelessness. In a typical month, SJOM provides shelter and sustenance to over 115 homeless men, most Spanish-speaking. SJOM has become a pivotal resource for people who have difficulty accessing more-mainstream programs.

Located in the heart of Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood, SJOM is sensitive to the specific needs of the community, reaching out to those who may be isolated by cultural or legal factors, such as immigration issues, and who are underserved as a result.

As La Raza observed, both living wages and affordable housing are "fundamental." SJOM programs help participants to find employment and to save money from their wages, enabling the men to obtain permanent housing and, ultimately, to achieve independence.

Read the original La Raza article en Español, or in English (PDFs).







SJOM 2007 Benefit Dinner and Musical Reception

Since its modest beginnings in 1981, San Jose Obrero Mission has been dedicated to the Pilsen neighborhood, serving those touched by homelessness, reaching out to the Latino community in particular. Today, SJOM works with adult males in stabilizing their lives and moving to permanent housing. Willing participants and hard work from staff, plus generous contributions from volunteers, donors, and the community all help keep the mission of SJOM alive!

SJOM hosted its 2007 Fall Benefit Dinner in the cafeteria of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School on Saturday, September 22. The evening event reflected aspects of varied Latino cultures. Patrons' ears were treated to the musical beats of a live band, taste buds tingled with delicious cuisine from local restaurants, eyes were stimulated by samba dancers and vibrant paintings, and many attendees themselves enjoyed dancing.

Over 100 guests filled the space to capacity, greeted by the smooth and melodic samba, bossa nova, and bolero music of Luciano Antonio, "the Brazilian Jazz Guy." Each guest received a raffle ticket for a chance to win such door prizes as Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum memberships. Guests could also bid on a variety of silent auction items, including fair trade coffee and chocolates from 10,000 Villages in Evanston, and a selection of special tequilas donated by Mr. and Mrs. Mark Gruber.

Food donated by local restaurants and cafés made sure even the biggest appetites were satiated, with heaping plates of appetizers, a Mexican entrée buffet dinner from Taqueria El Milagro, and decadent desserts. Throughout the evening, a display of works by Bolivian artist, Jean Carlo Sandy dazzled attendees, as did the energetic steps of the Passistas Samba Dance Group.

Father Chuck Dahm of St. Pius V Parish was honored for his outstanding commitment and contributions to SJOM. To thank him, Fr. Chuck received a print of a mural by Latin American liturgical artist Cerezo Barredo.

Altogether, the benefit was an exciting evening of lively entertainment, great food, and warm fellowship! A special San Jose Obrero Mission thank you to the many sponsors and donors who helped make this year's benefit dinner a great success. Event sponsors included:

C. Gallucci Realty, Inc. Café Jumping Bean Café Mestizo Chicago Journal Chicago Sport & Social Club Cristo Rey Jesuit High School Decima Musa Efebos Café Eli's Cheesecake Frank L. Sassetti & Company Green House Steaks H. Kramer & Co.

Hennig Gasket & Seals, Inc. Kristoffer's Café & Bakery MB Financial Bank McHenry Insurance Co. Metropolitan Bank Pilsen Chamber of Commerce Pilsen Homeless Services Resurrection Project St. Pius V Parish Temoc Gym V & V Supremo Food

San Jose Obrero Mission's 25th Anniversary Mural Walk and Art Reception

On October 7, 2006 San Jose Obrero Mission celebrated its 25th Anniversary with a walking tour of some of the amazing murals found in the local Pilsen neighborhood, followed by an art reception at the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum. Read more about the Mural Walk.

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