Susana Mendoza Joins Lincoln Park Community Services for an Evening of Cooking, Conversation and Connection

Illinois Comptroller and Chicago mayoral candidate Susana Mendoza recently stopped by Lincoln Park Community Services (LPCS) at the invitation of CEO Cheryl Hamilton-Hill for an evening centered on food, conversation and connection with “guests" staying at the organization’s shelter.

Mendoza joined volunteers in the kitchen, helping prepare tacos and making her homemade guacamole. The group then served the meal together to LPCS guests before sitting down to eat and talk.

The conversation quickly became an open exchange. Mendoza shared stories about her background and her work as Illinois Comptroller, including how state funding works for shelters and the challenges communities face in providing services to people experiencing homelessness. The women asked questions about what could be done to better support shelters, both in Chicago and in rural communities across Illinois.

The conversation also touched on Mendoza’s campaign for Mayor of Chicago and what she would do to help shelters and people experiencing homelessness if elected. For some of the guests, the visit was particularly meaningful. Several recognized Mendoza from her time as Comptroller, with some sharing that they had voted for her in the past. Others were simply surprised to see a public official sitting down with them, eating together and taking the time to hear their questions and experiences firsthand.

Mendoza went around the room talking individually with guests, listening to their questions and discussing the challenges facing shelters and the people they serve. The evening was less about speeches and more about conversation, with plenty of laughter along the way.

And there was one memorable running joke: when asked about having a “silver spoon” in her mouth, Mendoza quipped that it was more like a “spork.”

The gathering reflected the kind of evening LPCS hopes to create for its guests: a chance to share a meal, feel seen and heard, and connect with people from across the community in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

Lincoln Park Community Services (LPCS) provides comprehensive services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Chicago. Through interim housing, permanent supportive housing, meals, case management, employment support, drop-in services and emergency overnight shelter, LPCS works alongside neighbors to help them move toward stability and long-term success. Learn more at www.lpcschicago.org.