Author: Judith@thenightministry.org

On May 6, The Night Ministry will join the Illinois Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (IAFCC), along with free clinics from across Illinois, to inform legislators about the importance of our services. We will also urge them to support our request for $15 million in state funding for fiscal year 2027.

This toolkit is designed specifically for you, The Night Ministry’s supporters, because your voice truly matters. As someone who believes in our mission, you recognize the impact of our work and the importance of making sure it reaches everyone in need. Legislators need to hear from people like you who are committed to building a more equitable healthcare system.

We have compiled effective ways to take action, including key messages and talking points for contacting your elected officials. Whether you choose to make a call or send an email, your advocacy will help secure this crucial funding increase.

Join us from home on May 6 and contact your legislators. Ask them to co-sponsor SB3519/HB5117, which would increase state funding for Illinois’ free and charitable clinics to $15 million.

Together, we will ensure that The Night Ministry and similar free clinics have the resources needed to address this moment. Thank you for standing with us and for amplifying your voice to expand access to care throughout Illinois.

The Role & Impact of Free & Charitable Clinics Across Illinois, free and charitable clinics are a critical lifeline for individuals and families who would otherwise go without essential healthcare. At The Night Ministry, we see every day how access to compassionate, free-of-charge health care can improve lives.

Since fiscal year 2023, Illinois has provided state funding to dozens of free and charitable clinics across our state. More clinics are accessing these funds, and the number of visits to funded clinics has soared. Across Illinois, medical visits to free and charitable clinics have increased by 149%, dental visits by 79%, and behavioral health visits by more than 300%.

We anticipate a continued demand for services at Illinois’ free clinics. Due to federal budget cuts, up to 500,000 Illinois residents may lose their Medicaid coverage. Despite this growing need, state funding for clinics like ours has remained unchanged, limiting our ability to meet the demand.

SB3519/HB5117 changes that and increases Illinois’ investment in free and charitable clinics from $9 million to $15 million—providing organizations like The Night Ministry with the resources needed to expand primary care, behavioral health services, and outreach to people experiencing homelessness and housing instability.

What You Need To Know
What is the Illinois Association of Free and Charitable Clinics?

• The Illinois Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (IAFCC) enhances free and charitable clinics’ ability to care for uninsured and underinsured Illinoisans. The Night Ministry is a longtime IAFCC member. Our President & CEO, Carol J. Sharp, serves on its Board of Directors, and our Director of Strategic Partnerships, Tedd Peso, is a member of its Advocacy Committee.

What are SB3519 and HB5117?

• Senate Bill 3519 (SB3519) and House Bill 5117 (HB5117) allocate $15 million from the Illinois General Revenue Fund to the Illinois Department of Public Health and increase fiscal year 2027 funding to the Illinois Association of Free and Charitable Clinics. This funding supports the work of free and charitable clinics, such as The Night Ministry, across Illinois. Currently, free clinics receive $9 million in state funds.

Why is this funding important to The Night Ministry?

• The patients we serve at our Health Outreach Bus, Street Medicine Van, and at the CTA Blue and Red Lines face significant barriers to healthcare. Often, our patients are uninsured, have lost their coverage, or are unsure about their coverage. Unhoused Chicagoans often report that they struggle to access healthcare in the traditional medical system. The Night Ministry’s focus on human connection means that we build relationships with individuals we meet and leverage trust to provide deeper services, including basic healthcare and case management.
• State funding provides The Night Ministry with reliable support to stabilize expansion and meet the demand. Last year, our Outreach and Health Teams made 57,597 contacts with individuals. This represents a 36% increase in contacts since FY23, the first year that Illinois provided this state funding to clinics. Our medical team provided 3,665 medical visits to 1,659 patients and treated 1,006 conditions that would not have been otherwise treated.
• State funding helps The Night Ministry end homelessness. Because case management is part of our program, The Night Ministry added 551 clients to housing wait lists and helped 123 individuals obtain housing last year.
• State funding saves our clients and healthcare systems money. In FY25, The Night Ministry prevented 983 emergency room visits, which saved $2.7 million. 

What to Do on Lobby Day – May 6

1. Find your legislators’ contact information:
   Go to www.ilga.gov. Under “Reports & Inquiry,” select “Find My Legislator.” Enter your address and click on your legislator’s photo to find their contact information.
2. Contact your legislators and ask them to co-sponsor SB3519 (if they are a Senator) or HB5117 (if they are a Representative). Below is a sample script that you can use when you call or email your legislators: “Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent who lives at [Address]. I’m calling to urge [Senator/Representative Name] to co-sponsor SB3519 [if you are calling a Senator] / HB5117 [if you are calling a Representative], which would increase state funding for free and charitable clinics across Illinois. Organizations like The Night Ministry rely on this funding to provide essential healthcare to people who might otherwise go without it—especially those experiencing homelessness or poverty. [Discuss your connection to The Night Ministry or why you support our mission and share some facts about our services from the above.] This funding increase will ensure more Illinois residents can access healthcare during these uncertain times. I strongly encourage [Senator/Representative Name] to support and co-sponsor SB3519/HB5117. Thank you for your time.”
3. Report Back: Email Tedd Peso, The Night Ministry’s Director of Strategic Partnerships, at tedd@thenightministry.org. Let him know who you contacted and what they told you.

Note: Your legislator may already be a co-sponsor. You can check the most current list of co-sponsors here: SB3519 or HB5117. If you see your legislator’s name listed here, then you should thank them for co-sponsoring the bill and let them know why The Night Ministry’s work is important to you.

Compassionate, consistent relationships that transform lives.

Safe, supportive shelter and living environments for young people who face multiple, complex challenges.

(CHICAGO – March 26, 2026) The Night Ministry is proud to announce that acclaimed Chicago media legend and entertainment reporter Dean Richards will serve as host of its 50th Anniversary Gala: A Legacy of Care, A Future of Hope on Saturday, April 18, from 6 p.m. to midnight at The Geraghty, 2520 S. Hoyne Avenue.

A three-time Emmy Award–winning journalist, Dean Richards is widely regarded as one of Chicago’s most trusted and beloved voices covering the arts, entertainment, and lifestyle. For more than 35 years, his work was seen and heard on WGN-TV, NewsNation, WGN Radio, and across hundreds of television stations nationwide. Legendary journalist Carol Marin once said, “Dean Richards is an institution in and of himself,” while the Los Angeles Times described him as “a fixture at Hollywood press junkets.”

Richards’ distinguished career includes interviews with national and local celebrities, memorable entertainment reporting, beloved “Dean Cooks” segments, and hosting numerous award-winning television and radio specials. His long-standing commitment to charitable causes, including HIV/AIDS advocacy, homelessness, hunger, and health-related initiatives, makes him a fitting host for this milestone celebration.

The 50th Anniversary Gala will also honor individuals and organizations whose leadership and generosity have advanced The Night Ministry’s mission. Maree Bullock will receive the Beacon Award for her outstanding dedication and service, while Northern Trust will be honored with the Lamplighter Award for its impactful corporate partnership and community support.

For 50 years, The Night Ministry has been a compassionate and consistent presence for people in need, providing housing, health care, and human connection to nearly 100,000 people experiencing homelessness and poverty throughout the Chicago area.
The gala promises an unforgettable evening celebrating a powerful legacy—and inspiring hope for the future.

For more information about the event, sponsorships, or tickets, click here.

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Compassionate, consistent relationships that transform lives.

Safe, supportive shelter and living environments for young people who face multiple, complex challenges.

Chicago, IL — [February 19. 2026] — The Night Ministry will commemorate five decades of providing housing, health care, and human connection to Chicagoans experiencing homelessness or poverty at its 50th Anniversary Gala: A Legacy of Care, a Future of Hope on Saturday, April 18. 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to midnight at The Geraghty, located at 2520 S. Hoyne Ave., Chicago, IL 60608.

Guests, all dressed in elegant and semi-formal attire, will gather for a memorable evening to reflect on the organization’s legacy, honor key partners, and raise critical support for programs that serve thousands of individuals each year.

During the event, The Night Ministry will recognize two exceptional honorees whose generosity and commitment have significantly shaped the organization’s impact:

Beacon Award Recipient – Maree Bullock

Maree Bullock has played a transformative role in The Night Ministry’s work through her extraordinary generosity and visionary leadership. Her steadfast support has touched countless lives over the years. Her legacy of compassion continues to inspire the community and strengthen the organization’s mission. The Night Ministry is honored to present her with the Beacon Award during its 50th Anniversary Celebration.

Lamplighter Award Recipient – Northern Trust

For more than 30 years, Northern Trust has been a dedicated partner in supporting youth experiencing homelessness and advancing The Night Ministry’s mission with steadfast commitment and leadership. In recognition of this long‑standing partnership and meaningful impact, Northern Trust will receive the Lamplighter Award.

“As we mark 50 years of service, we honor not only our past but the countless individuals, partners, and supporters who light the way forward. This celebration reflects the compassion and commitment that fuel our mission every day and inspires hope for the next fifty years and beyond, ” said Carol J. Sharp, President & CEO of The Night Ministry.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for individuals, corporations, and community partners who wish to support The Night Ministry’s milestone celebration and mission.

For more information, please contact Erica Schoppe at EricaS@thenightministry.org, call 773‑506‑6029, or Click here.

Compassionate, consistent relationships that transform lives.

Safe, supportive shelter and living environments for young people who face multiple, complex challenges.

On February 8, The Night Ministry joined hundreds of Chicagoans who came together for the 2nd Annual Winter Walk Chicago, a powerful morning of solidarity, community, and action in the fight to end homelessness.

The event was an important opportunity to stand with neighbors who continue to face the daily realities of housing instability and raise much-needed funding. The Night Ministry was one of several participating Chicago-based agencies, including The Boulevard, Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness, The Chicago Health Initiative, Franciscan Outreach, and Ignatian Spirituality Project Chicago.

The Night Ministry’s team consisted of staff members, board leaders, volunteers, and supporters who chose to walk with The Night Ministry because they deeply believe in its mission. Together, they braved the winter cold and walked two miles around Humboldt Park, raising nearly $2,500 to support programs that provide critical shelter, health care, and human connection.

President and CEO Carol J. Sharp reflected on the significance of the day. “Winter Walk reminds us that every step we take—literally and figuratively—matters,” she said. “As homelessness continues to rise across Chicago, it’s essential that we continue to advocate for our unhoused neighbors. Their lives, voices, and experiences deserve our attention, our compassion, and our persistent action.”

Compassionate, consistent relationships that transform lives.

Safe, supportive shelter and living environments for young people who face multiple, complex challenges.