Silverstein Housing Assistance Program | Staff Spotlight | Holocaust Survivor | Back-to-School

“The Ark understands that housing stability is about more than paying rent. It is about giving people the time, support, and guidance they need to regain their footing. Bill and I are grateful to strengthen this work so The Ark can be there for clients in a more lasting way.” — Karyn Silverstein, Ark Board Member  

For Eva Gertzfeld, housing has always been the foundation of one’s safety and empowerment. After more than 25 years in housing and human services, she still sees the power of something as simple as a key. 

“People come to The Ark because they’re struggling financially, emotionally, or facing pressing housing challenges. Our job is to help them move forward. If you don’t have a key to unlock a door and say, ‘This is my place, everything else becomes harder. Housing is one of the most important foundations for helping people regain stability.” — Eva Gertzfeld, Housing Navigation Support Specialist

At The Ark, Eva helps clients navigate housing challenges, job loss, health concerns, financial hardship, and other barriers that can make stability feel out of reach. Her work is deeply collaborative, connecting clients with services across The Ark and with community partners.

That teamwork has become especially important in recent years, as clients have faced financial hardship, loss, rising costs, and an increasingly difficult housing market. Eva is reminded of one client she first met more than 20 years ago, who experienced periods of housing instability. Over the years, Eva and colleagues across The Ark stayed connected, helping him access food, medical care, employment services, emotional support, and housing assistance as his needs changed. 

For Eva, his experience reflects both the complexity of housing instability and the importance of staying connected. While one service or intervention may not resolve every challenge, The Ark’s coordinated approach provides clients with a trusted team that continues working alongside them toward greater stability.

Click below to read Eva’s story and learn how The Ark’s housing assistance program helps clients navigate complex challenges.

The Ark recently welcomed Holocaust survivor Ida Paluch Kersz, who shared her extraordinary story of survival, loss, and hope with clients, staff, and community members. 

Born in Poland in 1939, Ida was separated from her family as a young child and hidden by a Polish Christian family during the Holocaust. After the war, she was reunited with her father, moved to Israel, and later built a new life in the Chicago area. For decades, Ida searched for her twin brother, Adam. In 1995, she saw his photograph in a newspaper article and recognized a family resemblance. They were reunited in Poland more than 50 years after they were separated. 

Today, Ida speaks to students and community groups so the experiences of Holocaust survivors will not be forgotten.

We are grateful to Ida for sharing her memories, her resilience, and her enduring message of hope with The Ark community. 

The Ark welcomed the American Friends of Israel War Disabled Foundation to highlight experiences of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) veterans during their service and throughout their rehabilitation journeys. 

Each year, the organization brings a delegation of 10 disabled Israeli war veterans to Chicago. Fully funded by charitable contributions, the visit includes tours of local sites like The Ark, conversations with audiences across the Jewish community, and opportunities for listeners to gain a fuller understanding of the service, resilience, and challenges faced by IDF veterans. Local families also hosted delegation members during their time in Chicago, offering another way to build personal connections and learn from one another.

Hearing from the delegation leader, Moshik Brin, along with other members including Mali Shoshana, Oded Stern-Meiraz, Shmuel Rekanati, and Anan Lehyani broadened perspectives and offered a wide variety of experiences ranging from front line service to long-term physical and psychological trauma. Their stories created a fuller picture of the realities faced by Israeli veterans living with service-related disabilities.  

Their visit also connected closely with The Ark’s commitment to trauma-informed care, which recognizes how trauma can affect a person’s sense of safety, well-being, and ability to move forward independently.

Are you a backyard or community gardener with blooms to share? Help The Ark bring beauty and warmth to clients by donating flowers from your garden this season.

Bouquets of flowers can be bundled with string or a twist tie, placed in a plastic bag, and dropped off at our Chicago or Northbrook locations.

The Ark also welcomes “flower rescue” donations after a mitzvah, simcha, or other gathering. If you have flowers that can be repurposed, we would be happy to share them with clients, volunteers, and visitors throughout our community spaces.

Share your buds and blooms to help brighten someone’s day.

If you have any questions, please email volunteer@arkchicago.org.

Families like Amy’s face difficulty shopping for school supplies when they are already struggling to keep up with the rising costs of rent, groceries, and gas, amidst cuts to benefits like SNAP and Medicaid. 

With our community’s generous support, we will ease the financial burden families face to prepare for a successful school year. In just a couple of weeks, families will be able to visit The Ark to select essential supplies and collect Walmart gift cards that provide parents and their children with the dignity of choice. 

Please join us with a gift today to help 1,000 children across Jewish Chicagoland start kindergarten through 12th grade with the supplies they need and a strong foundation for the year ahead. 

• Start a fundraiser to support The Ark in celebration of a milestone like a birthday, anniversary, or B’nai Mitzvah. Your dedication will inspire your friends and family to join you in support and amplify your impact. 
  
  
• Schedule an informational talk or tour for a first-hand understanding of how The Ark addresses the needs of our community.
  
  
• Make a connection between your company or organization and The Ark for an interactive program or service project.
  
  
• Start a Pack the Pantry collection drive. Challenge your friends, neighbors, and co-workers to help you collect any one item from our pantry list. 

To express interest or learn more, please fill out our volunteer interest form.

Explore Our Newest Career Opportunities!

Marketing and Communications Associate 

The Marketing and Communications Associate is responsible for creating and coordinating communications that engage clients, staff, donors, and community partners. This role manages day-to-day marketing and communications projects, producing clear, timely content that aligns with The Ark’s mission and organizational priorities. 

Food Security Logistics Assistant (Part-Time)

The Food Security Logistics Assistant supports The Ark’s Food Security program by transporting food, donations, medication, and supplies between locations and community partners. This role helps keep pantry operations organized, stocked, and running smoothly so clients receive reliable, dignified service.

Dental Hygienist (Part-Time)

The Dental Hygienist provides essential preventive care in The Ark’s free dental clinic, helping patients maintain their oral and overall health. This role delivers high-quality services, educates patients on effective oral care, and works closely with our dentist and healthcare team to support coordinated, patient-centered care. This is a meaningful opportunity to make a real impact by expanding access to critical dental care within the community.

Every gift to The Ark ensures that those facing hardship find a safety net and lifeline of support.