Burritos for Homeless

A Group Truly Responsive to the Needs of the Homeless:

Urban Bike Food Ministry Chicago

By Thomas Hansen, Ph.D.

There are something like 10,000 families in Chicago who are homeless (https://www.chicagohomeless.org/new-report-on-family-homelessness-in-chicago/).  I hope my writing on this blog and in other publications has helped in some way and will continue to help—if not by encouraging the giving of resources at least by creating  awareness out there.  I think this number is too high.  Some people would argue there should be no homeless families at all.

However, in the meantime, it is important for the homeless to find resources, to secure food and water, and to locate goods such as aspirin, Tylenol, and bandaids.  Indeed all of these things are bandaids for a much larger wound.

In one article I spoke about the wide variety of helper groups one finds out there, traveling the city to deliver goods, food, information, and other resources to people in need (“Helper Groups Who Assist the Homeless,” August 11, 2020, http://secondcityteachers.blogspot.com/2020/08/volunteer-to-help.html).  There are groups that travel, groups in churches and agencies, plus other groups of persons, clubs, and friends around the city helping in different kinds of ways.

In another article, I reported on the kinds of responses I have gotten from homeless persons about what kinds of items they actually need or want (“The Kinds of Items Homeless Persons Really Need; How You Can Help,” July 20, 2020, http://secondcityteachers.blogspot.com/2020/07/homeless-needs.html).  Homeless persons consistently tell me it works out best if the person is bringing them a donation they have asked for.  For example, if a helper is near a grocery store, they can ask what food item(s) the homeless person might like.  If the homeless persons want or need some fresh fruit like bananas, giving them a chance to ask for some restores a little dignity at the same time it gives them something relevant to their world. 

In that second article, I stressed the importance of communication in dealing with not just the homeless but all people right now in this time of crisis.  When communicating with the homeless specifically, I talked about how it is essential to get ideas and feedback from the people in need.  You can simply ask people what they want (deodorant?), if there are foods to avoid (dairy?), and if there are any special items related to the homeless person’s health (low-dose aspirin for heart patients).     

One group that is very good at listening to the needs of the homeless on the north side is the Chicago chapter of the “Urban Bike Food Ministry (UBFM),” headquartered in Memphis.  Up and down Broadway on the north side, and now into other areas, UBFM is known by many people as the “Burrito Buddies” or other nicknames because of the famous sandwiches they deliver to hungry people. 

Homeless people plan ahead—and one person talking about the ministry called the riders “saviors she looks forward to seeing Thursday night” because of not only the desperately needed food and water but also other items, their friendship, and the dignity they show to the homeless.  Susan makes a point of being around for those burritos.  “I can’t be away from my corner on Thursday because the guys will be coming and I want to see them,” she warns.   

Brought to Chicago by Wil Crutchfield, the ministry is a good example of a team of people who really care, really want to provide what is needed by the homeless.  He knows about harsh Chicago weather too, coming here from Memphis and feeling a little shocked by his first winter here—which he remembered as being “incredibly cold!”

Crutchfield brought a thorough understanding of UBFM with him from Tennessee.  He encourages the members of the group.  He tells of the goals of the group, and mentions how there are also branches in Nashville and Des Moines.

“Wil is the godfather of UBFM Chicago,” explains Randy Schlesinger, member and organizer of the mission.  “He appreciates personal growth and he is really talented in inspiring it in others.”  

Schlesinger states there are currently about 15 active members and some observers also.  He says a typical “ride” usually consists of about 4 to 6 helpers.  They have recently tried some rides in some new neighborhoods and hope to expand.  However, they can only do so much.  They will need more riders, more sponsors, and more helpers.

Schlesinger says he would be thrilled to get more riders but that you do not have to ride to help.  There is a chef who does not ride but who provides nourishment. Also, there is assistance coming not only from individuals but also from a formal sponsorship by Edgewater Mutual Aid (https://edgewatermutualaid.org/about-us).  This organization, formed in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, distributes food and other needed resources in their own right.

What kinds of food and resources does UBFM distribute to homeless persons?  They bring a wide variety of food--burritos, sandwiches, granola bars, water, and soda pop—just to name a few examples.  They also bring vitamins, women’s products, aspirin, and hand sanitizer.  Other items include socks, underwear, shampoo, masks, gloves, and when needed, certain specific items of clothing.

All of these things come to the homeless in response to need.  The members of UBFM listen to the homeless persons and respond.  Schlesinger states seriously: “there is no surplus of anything on our needs list; it all goes to use.”

When asked how he convinces people to join in the work UBFM does, Schlesinger explains how individuals can go on rides to experience firsthand the giving—and meet the people living on the street.  He says that while the group members do distribute food and goods, they also “distribute positive thoughts and ideas toward mutual growth.”  It is not just about dropping by with sandwiches.  He stresses,  “When you ride with UBFM, you receive as much or more than you provide.”      

The ministry, just like the mutual aid group, grew out of local need.  This is a grassroots effort, not a government agency.  With the local emphasis and people getting “hooked on helping,” I asked Randy how new riders or sponsors can get involved.

He explained how easy it is to find the groups: UBFM Chicago and Randy Schlesinger both have Facebook pages; Edgewater Mutual Aid has an information-packed website.  People like Randy Schlesinger and Wil Crutchfield are out there in that challenging Chicago weather helping those who need it most.

Schlesinger was excited there might be readers of this piece who could become members of the mission.  He said, “If you think you’d like to help, please reach out to me and let’s discuss it!”  He added, “There are ways to help from your home and we can always use more riders.”