Block Club Chicago featured HPSN's Casa Hernandez
Published on February 28, 2024 by Angie P
Block Club Chicago reporter Ariel Parrella-Aureli published an article on February 16th about the work and current needs of our free store, Casa Hernandez.
Check out the article here!: https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/02/16/casa-hernandezs-free-humboldt-park-store-needs-more-volunteers-money-to-keep-mission-going/
... like many mutual aid groups and free stores in the area, Casa Hernandez needs more financial backing and volunteer support to help neighbors and keep the mutual aid system running.
“Now it’s mostly time and energy to run the store, and also asking folks for their time and energy, especially from neighbors that were in line waiting for items,” Hernandez said. “There is definitely a need, and for myself, I don’t think the pandemic really ended — there is no COVID going around, but things have shifted and there is a new situation. It still comes down to the fact that people’s basic needs are not being met.”
We want to say THANK YOU to everyone for the flooding of donations! Since the article was published we've received $3,169 in donations on Open Collective and Venmo! Already, this is going towards Casa Hernandez' rent and restocking of groceries to put on the shelves for our neighbors.
41 people also let us know they are interested in volunteering, thanks to the article! More volunteers at the free store during open hours is still our greatest need. The store is open 5-7pm on Mondays and Wednesdays, and 11am-2pm on Saturdays.
If you are interested and able to volunteer at the free store, please stop by during open hours so we can show you around!
Thanks so much for your support, for joining us as neighbors helping neighbors!