You might have heard of Candice Payne.
She made headlines in 2019 for leading an effort to buy native resort rooms to assist 122 homeless individuals throughout Chicago’s frigid winter polar vortex. She was even invited onto the “The Ellen DeGeneres Present,” the place Walmart gifted her $50,000 {dollars} for her efforts.
And now the entrepreneur has discovered her latest approach to assist homeless individuals in Chicago.
Smoothies.
On Thursday, Payne unveiled Smoothie RX on 1503 S. Michigan Ave.
The mission started as a approach to assist her father reside an extended life — and to maintain herself wholesome too. Round a 12 months in the past, Payne was identified with diabetes. Payne hoped it could be an alternative choice to the quick and fried meals she noticed across the South Loop.
“Cease normalizing illness,” the store’s again wall reads in purple lettering. “Enhance intestine well being.” “Struggle diabetes.”
Candice Payne helps Michelle Ross put together a smoothie at Smoothie RX at 1503 S. Michigan Ave in South Loop, Thursday, April 28, 2022.
Anthony Vazquez/Solar-Instances
It’s since developed into one thing extra — an vital employment alternative for individuals dealing with homelessness in Chicago.
Payne is partnering with A Protected Haven Basis, which helps present homeless individuals with the instruments they should transition again into society. She plans to rent 2 to 4 homeless individuals who have accomplished A Protected Haven trainings to work in Smoothie RX.
They might work in upkeep or prep, Payne mentioned. She additionally wants individuals to assist with avenue advertising — passing out fliers and smoothie samples.
Each month, Payne may even manage volunteers to cross out smoothies to people who find themselves homeless.
It’s only one approach that Payne is making a distinction within the lives of homeless people in Chicago.
After her efforts in the course of the polar vortex in 2019, “One thing hit me,” Payne mentioned.
“For 5 days, I used to be in a resort with 122 homeless individuals,” Payne mentioned. “I heard their tales, their cries, and I couldn’t take into consideration anything however how can I be a everlasting fixture — what can I do completely?”
Workers put together smoothies at Smoothie RX at 1503 S. Michigan Ave in South Loop, Thursday, April 28, 2022.
Anthony Vazquez/Solar-Instances
So by her nonprofit, Motion for a Trigger, she began shopping for actual property and renovating models — which she supplied to homeless individuals for no lease for one 12 months. A part of the proceeds from Smoothie RX might be donated to Motion for a Trigger to proceed these efforts.
It’s not everlasting, Payne mentioned, however a transition interval for these in want.
Throughout the COVID-19 shutdown, Payne visited her actual property workplace and located a lady and her son residing on the ground of a convention room.
“She was shaking as a result of she thought I used to be going to place her out,” Payne mentioned.
As a substitute, Payne provided her an condominium.
Now, Payne mentioned the lady has a job and has since moved to the South Aspect.
One other tenant, a younger girl from A Protected Haven’s narcotics program, was capable of finding everlasting housing whereas residing in Payne’s constructing.
“I ain’t by no means seen anyone that completely satisfied to offer me my keys again,” Payne mentioned.
“Thanks for being my steps,” Payne mentioned the lady informed her. And that’s precisely what Payne mentioned she needs to supply for homeless individuals in Chicago: a stepping stone.
Candice Payne speaks about her motivation to open Natural Smoothie RX and what she hopes to attain throughout a information convention on the store at 1503 S. Michigan Ave. within the South Loop, Thursday, April 28, 2022.
Anthony Vazquez/Solar-Instances
