SAVOY, IL (Chambana Today) – Every Friday, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m., diners at the Burger King in Savoy can enjoy breakfast and coffee while being treated to a live performance by Jammin’ Jimmy Bean – all for a great cause. Bean is collecting tips and donating every dollar he raises to help unhoused neighbors in the community.
Earlier today, Bean raised almost $100 during the gig, doubling last week’s total of $48. The funds will be directed toward the most immediate needs of unhoused individuals, with a focus on opening a shelter that caters to people who feel unsafe or unable to stay at the Strides Shelter. Bean is already in talks with local leaders, including Pastor Renee Antrosio, from New Covenant Fellowship in Champaign, to offer the church’s basement for overnight stays and to provide counseling services to help get individuals back on their feet. For now, Bean plans on collecting the proceeds to “Pastor Dave,” who provides food and supplies to various unhoused individuals who won’t go to the local shelters, for various reasons. Bean wants to focus on helping a specific segment – LGBTQ+ and couples. “The last thing many of them have is each other, and they can’t stay together in a shelter, so I want to offer them an alternative.”
The endeavor is ambitious, and Bean is committed to making a real impact, but he acknowledges the scale of the work and the need for assistance. He oversees building maintenance for his church. Bean shared, “I know what my limitations are in getting this off the ground, and the church would need insurance, staff, and counselors to help people.”
Bean was heartbroken when he learned that Lenka, an unhoused neighbor in Urbana, froze to death outside earlier this month. He said “Lenka inspired me to action. We should do better. We CAN do better.” As this initiative grows, Bean is asking for both spiritual and practical support from the community. The event at Burger King offers an opportunity to come together and make a tangible difference. Those who can attend and contribute, whether financially or through volunteering, will be part of an effort to help improve the lives of those who need it most.
Stop by for breakfast every Friday, enjoy the music, and support a cause that is truly making an impact in the lives of our unhoused neighbors. For more information, email editor@chambanatoday.com.
