Kay'Chanel was 16, expecting a child, and experiencing housing instability when she came to stay at The Night Ministry's shelter for pregnant and parenting mothers. Now, 14 years later, she is a successful entrepreneur who credits the organization with helping her realize her dreams. "It wasn't what I expected," Kay'Chanel recalls about her first i...
Yolanda has a generous spirit. Even when she was struggling, living under a bridge by the Chicago River, she looked out for those around her, sharing resources like the BBQ meals she grilled. "You need something to eat? Come around here, and I'm going to feed you," she recalls telling her neighbors she shared an encampment with. "When I was growing...
Congratulations to The Night Ministry's Associate Board! They raised more than $107,000 to support Chicago's unhoused young people at the Night Lights event held at Marshall's Landing on Thursday, October 10. Proceeds from the event will benefit The Crib, our overnight shelter for young adults. Last year, The Crib provided safe shelter and sup...
In fulfilling our mission to serve Chicago's unhoused residents, The Night Ministry regularly conducts outreach among the individuals living in Gompers Park on Chicago's Northwest Side. Our Street Medicine Team and Health Outreach Bus visit the site to offer critical resources such as free health care and case management services. The latter includ...
It's 10 a.m. on a beautiful Sunday in September, and residents of The Night Ministry's Pathways Transitional Living Program for young adults have gathered for a special brunch to mark a momentous occasion. After weeks of planning and anticipation, today, they are making a giant stride on their paths to greater stability: moving into apartments. "We...
We are heartbroken by the murder of four of our fellow citizens on the CTA's Blue Line on Monday. We join the victims' families, friends, and the entire community in mourning the senseless loss of their lives. Everyone, regardless of their housing status, has the right to live their life in safety. The heinous act of violence is painfully relevant ...
Did you know that grabbing lunch on Tuesdays in Chicago's Irving Park neighborhood can benefit The Night Ministry? For the last four years, JT's Genuine Sandwich Shop on North Elston has supported our mission with a generous one-dollar donation from every sale of their delicious Breaded Pork Tenderloin sandwich on Tuesdays. "I appreciate everything...
By Denishe Medeline Mberi, Graduate of The Night Ministry's Youth Housing Programs and Social Media Influencer On February 14, 2020, I wrote the following: "My life is falling apart. I feel anxious yet look calm, I feel sad yet tell everyone otherwise. I know that I am broken, but I can't seem to find the glue to put myself back together. I want to...
July 17, 2024 The Night Ministry is among the Chicago organizations that have been conducting outreach with the residents of the tent encampment at Roosevelt and Desplaines that the City of Chicago closed on July 17, 2024. The City requested our help with this process as The Night Ministry has established relationships with many of the encampment r...
By Carol J. Sharp, MPAPresident & CEO Last month, the U.S. Supreme Court decided that laws criminalizing sleeping in public spaces do not violate the U.S. Constitution, even when individuals are unhoused and their communities do not have sufficient shelter capacity. The Court announced this decision less than 10 days after the City of Chicago r...
It was our privilege to honor those who have made a lasting contribution to the mission of The Night Ministry and our community at our annual Gala on May 23. Lamplighter Award Chicago Transit Authority The Lamplighter Award symbolizes an unwavering commitment to our mission and to those we serve. Since the fall of 2020, the recipient of the Lamplig...
Experience The Night Ministry's impact on the lives of our unhoused neighbors. The Night Ministry is a beacon of hope for Chicago's most vulnerable residents. Experience how our staff, volunteers, and supporters come together to provide human connection, housing support, and health care to members of our community who are unhoused or exp...
Thank you to all of our friends who joined us on May 23 at Lighting Up the Night! Because of you, we raised $347,000 in support of our mission to provide human connection, housing support, and health care to those who are unhoused or experiencing poverty. We were proud to present Illuminating a Path to a Better Tomorrow at Lighting Up the Night. Th...
It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of Rev. Tom Behrens, the Founding President and Former CEO of The Night Ministry. Tom's vision, dedication, and unwavering commitment to serving our community's most vulnerable members left an indelible mark on our organization and the city of Chicago. As we mourn the loss of Tom and ke...
Adalina now has a home of her own. But the 20-year-old knows what it is like to experience housing instability. In recent months, she has stayed temporarily with family and friends and in shelters and housing programs, including at The Crib, The Night Ministry's emergency overnight shelter for young people, as well as its short-term youth housing p...
By Carol J. Sharp, President & CEO One decision. One decision has the power to shift the trajectory of your life. When I was two years old, I experienced housing insecurity. For approximately five years, my sister and I navigated Chicago, traveling from a foster home located on the South Side in the Englewood neighborhood to visit my biological...
It is with deep sadness that we inform you that Barbara (Barb) Bolsen, The Night Ministry's former Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Community Engagement, passed away on Wednesday, August 16. Barb joined The Night Ministry in 1997 after leaving a 20-year career in journalism and graduating from Chicago Theological Seminary. Barb once tol...
After a national search, human services leader Carol J. Sharp has been named President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The Night Ministry. Sharp assumed her responsibilities on August 14, 2023. A Chicago native, Sharp brings a deep passion for serving marginalized communities. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to enhancing t...
This summer, staff, guests and members of The Night Ministry's Board of Directors gathered for our annual Reap the Rewards lunch honoring employees who have demonstrated their dedication to our mission with 5, 10, 15 and 20 years of service. Pictured (from back and left) are honorees Phyllis Murphy (Program Support Coordinator, 15 years); Chri...
On June 7, 2023, more than 300 of our friends gathered with us for Lighting Up the Night: An Evening to Benefit The Night Ministry. During the event, members of The Night Ministry staff spoke about our the agency helps clients find a home. Thanks to the generosity of supporters, we raised more than $350,000 in support of our mission ...