Merel Family Law Partners with Sarah's Circle to Support Unhoused Women in Chicago

Merel Family Law has partnered with Sarah's Circle, a Chicago-based nonprofit, to assemble and distribute winter and hygiene kits for women experiencing homelessness. This annual holiday initiative reflects the firm's commitment to addressing urgent community needs during the challenging winter months.

Sarah's Circle provides housing, support services, and resources specifically designed for unhoused women throughout Chicago. The organization recognizes that women often become homeless for different reasons than men and offers gender-sensitive, trauma-informed services. Their work helps some of Chicago's most vulnerable women rebuild their lives amid financial instability, limited resources, and unsafe conditions.

The team at Merel Family Law purchased materials and organized an assembly-line process in their office to efficiently package cold-weather essentials, toiletries, and personal care items. Attorneys and staff worked together to create practical kits that offer immediate help during winter, one of the most difficult seasons for those without stable housing.

This initiative matters because it addresses a critical gap in services for women experiencing homelessness. According to Sarah's Circle's approach at https://www.sarahs-circle.org, women face unique challenges when unhoused, including higher rates of trauma and different pathways into homelessness compared to men. The winter kits provide not only physical warmth but also dignity through basic necessities that many take for granted.

Merel Family Law's holiday giving tradition aligns with their professional work in family law matters, where they regularly advocate for people during difficult life chapters. By supporting a new charity each year, the firm reinforces its people-first values and demonstrates how businesses can contribute meaningfully to community welfare. The hands-on nature of the project allowed legal professionals to directly impact vulnerable populations beyond their courtroom work.

The partnership highlights the importance of corporate community involvement in addressing social issues. As Chicago continues to grapple with homelessness, particularly among women, initiatives like these provide both immediate relief and raise awareness about systemic challenges. Merel Family Law plans to continue expanding its community involvement, seeking additional organizations that align with their mission of uplifting local families.

This collaboration between a legal firm and a social service organization demonstrates how different sectors can work together to support vulnerable populations. The winter and hygiene kits represent more than just material goods—they signal community solidarity and recognition of the specific needs faced by women experiencing homelessness in urban environments.