Once Homeless Man Becomes Chicago Police Officer

After more than a year of being homeless, Lavelle Schaffer says a chance encounter at a shelter with an employee of Metropolitan Family Services turned things around.

by Staff

December 11, 2024

1 min to read

A man who was once homeless is now living his dream as a Chicago police officer and a doting father.

Lavelle Schaffer has a lot to be thankful for this holiday season.

“My life has come full circle,” Schaffer told WDTW. “It still feels like a movie almost.”

But things were vastly different 10 years ago when Schaffer was homeless.

After more than a year of being homeless, Schaffer says a chance encounter at a shelter with an employee of Metropolitan Family Services turned things around.

Schaffer received mental health counseling, vouchers for transportation, and classes in parenting and managing finances.

That gave him the confidence to apply to the Chicago PD.

Schaffer now gives back by counseling other young fathers. He is also now on the board of Metropolitan Family Services.

Topics:Older Recruits Homeless Illinois agencies Patrol

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