Deacon Ray Chimileski

Back in December 2000, Deacon Ray Chimileski read an article claiming a homeless veteran was living under a train trestle in Dover.  He did not believe this could be true.  So, he and some friends set out to find this man.  And he was right where the article said he would be.   They learned the man was a Vietnam veteran, suffering from untreated PTSD for decades that had cost him his family, his job and his home, and was now living in a plywood shack.

 

Operation Chillout was born that day when Ray and his friends spoke with that veteran, brought him some warm clothes, and asked how they could help. It just happened to be December 21st which is observed annually as National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day, coinciding with the winter solstice - the first day of winter and the longest night of the year.  Communities across the country use this date to honor the lives of those who have died while experiencing homelessness and to advocate for housing.

 

For over 25 years, hundreds of volunteers have been inspired by Ray’s belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every homeless individual.  Volunteers have assembled thousands of backpacks loaded with winter and summer gear that are distributed to homeless veterans and outreach partners around New Jersey.  Over the year, our mission has launched additional chapters in Pennsylvania, South Jersey, Rhode Island and southern Massachusetts. 

 

Under Ray’s leadership, Operation Chillout’s Rapid Response Team was created to meet homeless veterans on the streets, offering supplies, a referral for immediate shelter and services, and most importantly, a compassionate listening ear.  Since 2017, over 2200 homeless veterans have been provided emergency temporary housing in hotels. 

 

Our beloved Deacon Ray passed away on October 28, 2024.  The work of Operation Chillout continues, led by an extraordinary group of volunteers.