Little Village nonprofit helping victims violence, crimes [Video]

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — On a hot and sunny Saturday morning in Little Village, dozens of people are lined up outside of the Helen and Joe Community Foundation’s small office space on Kedzie Avenue.

Inside, Juanita Ariola is unpacking boxes of diapers, wipes, and baby clothes for a monthly diaper and despensa, or pantry distribution.

“We always have something for someone here when they walk in, in need. We have soap, body soap, toothpaste – you name it, we have it,” Ariola said.

Ariola is the Director of Community Engagement at the Foundation, which was founded in 2019. The nonprofit serves survivors of domestic violence and victims of violent crimes in Little Village.

“We offer emergency orders of protection, off-site safe housing. We work very closely with the Chicago Police Department and Bureau of Detectives,” Ariola said.

“We see there is a great need for resources… definitely our Latino community is in great need …