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 are embarking on something new,” Pathways Supervisor Henry Merrill tells the group. “You’ll be more independent. There are more responsibilities. There’s more learning to do. But we are here to help you.” 

The move for the group of ten, who have all experienced homelessness, comes as The Night Ministry fully transitions Pathways from a shelter to a community-based housing model. Until now, the program has provided housing for up to eight young people in a classic greystone building in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood, with two other program participants living in a nearby apartment.

Now, the organization has rented and furnished apartments in two buildings where program participants will live with roommates. Young people will continue to receive case management support and links to resources while they work toward greater self-sufficiency. The combination of independent living and supportive services has proven successful in launching youth into a stable and thriving future.

Silvono came to Pathways last fall. He first experienced housing instability in his teens and says he is ready for the move.

“I’m excited to have a place of my own. I have a lot of goals I want to set for myself when I move into my new place.”

Throughout the day, Pathways participants join program staff in moving belongings from the greystone to a volunteer squad of vehicles and into their new homes. After a hard day’s work, the afternoon is capped with another memorable moment: the tenants opening gift boxes containing their apartment keys.

With the transition, The Night Ministry will no longer occupy the building that housed the shelter, which belonged to Old St. Patrick’s Church in Chicago. The Night Ministry is grateful to the church for its partnership in serving the North Lawndale community.