Electrical Workers Across Northern Illinois Show Support for People Experiencing Homelessness
June 4, 2026
Across northern Illinois, electrical field workers are going beyond their line of duty to show extra support for the local communities they help ComEd serve. These employees are mobilizing to support the company’s annual Cause of the Year program which, this year, focuses on supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness. 
Voted on by employees each year, ComEd’s Cause of the Year offers employees opportunities to educate, engage and empower around the chosen cause. To help increase engagement, during National Volunteer Month in April, ComEd created in-office opportunities for employees to give back. Field employees across the region took time during their daily morning huddles to pack hygiene, food and clothing supplies for local homeless shelters and nonprofit groups.
“It’s a refreshing opportunity, I feel proud of my team and ComEd as a whole,” said Jeff Ancel, Director of Regional Electric Operations for ComEd. “These people support the community every single day by keeping the lights on and this is another way to do so, while giving them a break from physical activity for a few minutes to relax and support others in a different way.”
Across various teams, union-represented employees assembled more than 1,100 care packages for those in need. These care packages were distributed to Connections for the Homeless, the Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness, DuPage Pads, Hesed House, La Casa Norte, the Night Ministry, and South Suburban Pads, providing essential resources to the people they serve. Building volunteer opportunities into existing routines allowed field employees to contribute directly to the cause while maintaining their focus on daily operations. ComEd leadership also supported the cause, and 100% of company executives led volunteer events with their departments, resulting in nearly 4,000 volunteer hours logged in the month of April to support 49 different nonprofit organizations.
Beyond hands-on service, employees are also taking time to learn about the drivers of homelessness and ways to support those facing it by joining webinars hosted by ComEd’s anchor educational partner, the Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness.
“Chicago Coalition to End Homeless’ mission is focused on preventing and ending homelessness throughout Illinois. We can only advance this mission with amazing partners like ComEd. The company has embraced learning and acting to support people experiencing homelessness in a really meaningful way that has a tremendous impact.” Said Doug Schenkelberg, Executive Director of the Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness.
As the 2026 Cause of the Year continues, ComEd employees will have ongoing opportunities to get involved, whether through volunteering, learning or giving, to ensure more individuals and families have access to stable housing and the resources they need to thrive.
