Orland mom finds home for Chicago’s homeless women

Originally published July 27, 2017

Doreen DeBoer is the founder of All God’s People — a charitable organization located at 15554 S. 70th Court, Orland Park. From this location, she coordinates efforts that provide food, assistance, volunteer eye doctor visits by Dr. Don LoConte, and so much more to individuals who are struggling with homelessness in the city of Chicago.

Telling her story, she said she was blessed with parents who raised her and her four sisters to be servants of God, to give back, and share the love of Jesus. As children, Doreen and her sisters went to shelters to sing and deliver food, and her heart was drawn to the people she visited. Doreen and her husband, Ken, are also blessed with five children and five grandchildren who they hope learn the same lessons of serving others.

From their warehouse in Orland Park, a team of volunteers travels to the corner of State Street and Van Buren Avenue in Chicago to feed, visit and provide assistance to the over 500 people that visit their downtown facility each month.

Going a step further, DeBoer tells of her new mission. “Several years ago, God blessed me with a friendship that would forever change my life. On a cold snowy day, I met Miss Melinda, and could never have imagined the impact this sassy little homeless lady would have on my life.”

To say that Melinda’s life was hard is an understatement. DeBoer first met Melinda when she was in treatment for cancer and living on the streets.

“Every time we would finish serving, it would break my heart seeing her walk away knowing she did not have a place to go. I prayed God would protect her and keep her safe, but it hurt every time I had to drive away,” she said.

As DeBoer was sharing Melinda’s story with others, they decided to work towards finding a way to get Melinda off the street. Melinda found a hotel that she could stay in until she could get her own housing. It was not the best, but Melinda would have a warm bed and a roof over her head. DeBoer reflects, “I’ll never forget how excited she was.”

It was then that DeBoer made a commitment to find a house where the people she calls “our friends” would be able to stay temporarily until permanent housing was found. She didn’t know how it would happen, but she knew deep down, God was going to provide a way, she said.

Sadly, Melinda died in August. DeBoer said she misses her friend, but finds comfort in knowing that Melinda will never be homeless again. She is in her forever home, DeBoer said. Although Melinda’s life was filled with heartaches, abuse, and trials – DeBoer recalled whenever she would ask Melinda how she was doing, Melinda would answer, “I’m blessed!”

DeBoer said she is thankful for what Melinda taught her about the life of a person living on the streets. Melinda would say, “If you really want to help a homeless person, take the time to sit down with them and listen to their story. A lot of times you find their story isn’t different from your own. We are all looking for the same thing, to be loved and understood.”

Since Melinda’s death, finding a house has been a priority for DeBoer. She credits prayer and the hand of God in providing the plan and opportunities that helped make her dream a reality. In December, as they were finishing their Christmas service downtown, a young volunteer asked how she could help. Doreen answered, “Pray.”

And that is what the young girl did. One week later, the volunteer arranged a meeting between Doreen and her family to talk about a house they had — maybe it was something they could use for The Melinda House. It was perfect.

This house allows women to transition into independence. They hope to teach, train, and disciple these women for independence and sustainability — both physically and spiritually.

“I can’t help but smile when I think how happy Melinda would be for these precious ladies who will no longer have to live a life on the streets,” DeBoer said. “In my heart, I know that Melinda’s legacy will live on as we honor her memory with this house so perfectly named after my precious friend.”

Donations are accepted at the group’s Orland Park location from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays; 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays; and 9 to 11:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays.

More information is at http://allgodspeoplechicago.org/