Our organization also provides access to resources currently being offered by both private and non-private agencies. We seek to establish relationships with the men and women we serve each and every week. Building trust is a key component in what we do and is critical when helping our friends transition from homeless to safely sheltered.
We currently have teams serving every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday, between the hours of 7pm and midnight. Plus, we have teams who operate alternate Mondays and Saturdays. Our teams serve various communities in the Chicagoland area, including: Lower Wacker Dr., Tent City (Tri-Taylor), Humboldt Park, Garfield Park, Uptown, Austin, Gage Park, Pilsen and Elgin, IL.
A typical service team consists of 4 to 12 people. This can fluctuate depending on the anticipated number of individuals in need and the amount of items being distributed that evening. The team runs a set route each evening and has helped establish a designated meeting point to make it easy to locate us. Each team can serve 50 to 80 people every evening.
Additionally, we have special events and services provided throughout the year and always try to be aware of any other needs that may arise. They include:
- An annual summer cookout/hangout
- Wellness services provided by volunteer partners
- Free haircuts
- Thanksgiving dinner
- Christmas gift-giving events
We have also developed strategic partnerships with both mental health and addiction recovery service providers. Fortunately, we have seen our friends overcome their addictions and get help with undiagnosed mental illnesses. This is by far the most rewarding aspect of what we do and fuels us to continue our mission.
