At this point: Connections turns 40

William Smith was one of the speakers at the 40th anniversary of Connections for the Homeless. For several years starting in 2005, Smith slept off and on at the Hilda’s Place homeless shelter. But in the end he found work. And now, at 70, he is retired and living in Skokie. “They helped me clear my mind and pointed me in the right direction,” Smith said at the celebration attended by 150 Connections supporters at Lake Street Church. “I live a simple, peaceful and quiet life. I’m happy.” Betty Bogg, CEO of Connections, said, “By and large, we’re ending homelessness one person at a time. And we do that by doing more and more. We will create more housing, prevent more evictions, and must build on our advocacy program.” (Photo by Richard Cahan.)

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