Hesed House’s mission is to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless and give people the chance to hope again. Hesed House is a national model for ending homelessness – one person, one family at a time. Locally, we continue our efforts to meet the needs of the homeless and the hungry. ‘Hesed’ means God’s unconditional love. Knox supports this mission by providing food and volunteers on the 4th Saturday of the month. 

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Hesed House has not been able to allow volunteers inside the shelter to prepare and serve meals like we have in the past. During this time, our support has changed to a “Drive Thru, Drop-Off” of a hot Ready-To-Serve Dinner, Ready-To-Reheat Breakfast, Lunch Bags and other Special Supplies needed at Hesed House. The number we are feeding and the special supplies needed have been changing each month, so watch for the sign up link released approximately 10 days before the drop off in the Knox Wednesday Email to find out what is needed later that month. The link will also be posted on this page below.

In addition, let Bruce Burkelman know if you would like to be on the Driver Invite List to help with the drive thru at Knox and then transporting the meals and supplies to Hesed House. When the pandemic is over, and volunteers are allowed back into Hesed House, it is expected we will return to our previous method of support.

Hesed House Homeless Support during the Covid-19 pandemic:

“Drive Thru, Drop-Off” of meals and supplies

• 4th Saturday of each month for all of 2021 – 1/23, 2/27, 3/27, 4/24, 5/22, 6/26, 7/24, 8/28, 9/25, 10/23, 11/27 and 12/25
• After Signing Up, Drop-Off: 4:00-4:30 pm at Knox (Drivers to arrive at 3:30 pm)

Visit the calendar each month to sign up to bring one or more items and/or helping. Questions, or to sign up, email Bruce Burkelman or call 630-209-1421.

Taco Night Recipes for the drive thru drop-off are here. 

There is also an ongoing need for other supplies at Hesed House that can be dropped off by individuals at the shelter. Use this link for the current list of Hesed House In Kind Donations and drop off instructions. NOTE, at this time, Hesed House is NOT accepting clothing, furniture, or other household items for drop off at the shelter. One option is to donate these items to the Wayside Cross Thrift Stores in Aurora. 

Addresses for Hesed House:

• In Kind Donation Drop Offs: White Box Truck in lower parking lot, 659 South River St, Aurora, IL 60506 (see hesedhouse.org website for hours)
• Drivers for the “Drive Thru, Drop-Off” will be given specific addresses and instructions each month as the drop off locations at Hesed House have been changing