From the Streets of Iraq to the Streets of Chicago

               War, what is it good for?  This question was asked by Edwin Star in his 1970 tribute to soldiers fighting in the Vietnam War.  Soldiers are saluted everyday for the current war taking place in Iraq.  What they are not saluted for is the war they face when returning home.  Here is the story of one young man’s struggle from the streets of Iraq to the streets of Chicago.

             
                Brian McRae, a veteran who grew up on the Southside of Chicago in the Avalon Park neighborhood, served six consecutive years in the U.S. Army. Deciding to make his life more meaningful McRae began his journey with the U.S. Army in September 2000.  He began his first tour after just one year served.  Stationed in Fort Drum, New York, Brian’s infantry was one of the first to set foot on what was called  “The War Against Terrorism” in Afghanistan after the attacks September 11, 2001.  Not knowing what to expect McRae sought out to serve the country that he called home, the United States Of America.

                After six months of non-stop action in Afghanistan, McRae received a Red Cross message on November 1, 2001, stating that both his parents died of smoke inhalation due to a major house fire. “I was able to come home for a week to lay my parents to rest”, McRae stated, hiding his true emotions. He then returned to the military to serve his remaining six years.

                After being honorably discharged on April 5, 2007, McRae returned to his hometown of Chicago.  As an only child he had no one to turn to.  Therefore he sought the help of the Veterans Administration Office, which had no resources to help this unemployed veteran now living on the streets of Chicago. The VA office referred him to an overnight shelter located in the Englewood area. The shelter allowed a stay by a single person for no more than thirty nights.  From there he was referred to another shelter where he remained for the next six months.  While wondering where he was going and where his next meal was going to come from, he was referred to Matthew House where he adopted a new family.   There McRae began the transition into a new life.
                McRae began the intake process, which helped identify the different skills and strengths he had acquired through his training in the U.S. Army.  Meeting with his new Case Manager, Marzett Johnson, he began to develop relationships with the staff and guests.  “I started to volunteer by staying late mopping, cleaning, or whatever was needed,” McRae states with a huge smile.  The different programs at Matthew House offered him hope of a more substantial life.  McRae then entered the WOW! Home Program, where he gained an apartment, allowing him to concentrate on the main goal in his life-employment.

                After completing several interviews with various corporations, McRae finally applied for an open position at Matthew House, where he is now the Program Assistant.  He goes to Matthew House day after day no longer as a guest but as an employee. He hopes to become a case manager after receiving the proper education and training.
McRae sends a message to anybody who finds themselves in the position he was in “If you believe in yourself all goals can be accomplished”.

Church Initiative
Faith-Based Initiative Outreach-Spotlight

New Haven Baptist Church
By Hermine Wise and James Fuller

New Haven Baptist Church---located at 4413 South Indiana is one of Matthew Houses' newest partners in our Church Initiative. Matthew House invites congregations to use us as a referral source. After attending our quarterly church breakfast at the Historic Swift Mansion, Reverend Clement Townsend encouraged his congregation to become a mission partner to Matthew House by providing a monthly stipend.

Reverend Townsend has provided leadership to New Haven's 100-member congregation for approximately 10 years, succeeding Reverend Willie Lewis who pastored New Haven Baptist Church for thirty-eight years. Reverend Townsend believes in a holistic ministry that serves all aspects in the life of a parishioner. He felt that his church needed a closer connection with the homeless individuals that often pass the church on their way to any overnight shelter. New Haven's Deacon Board (pictured above with Pastor Townsend) and its members followed their pastor's vision and our partnership began.

The Matthew House staff and Board of Directors thank this visionary Pastor, Deacon Board and congregation for their willingness to help those that are less fortunate than themselves. We look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with New Haven Baptist Church.