This week's Difference Maker is a non-profit helping some of Chicago's most vulnerable.
The Night Ministry was founded in 1976 by a diverse network of congregations on Chicago's north side. Their mission: to provide human connection, housing support, and healthcare to those in need - year round.
"We're helping people to survive a day sometimes," explains David Wywialowski, the organization's Director of Health Outreach, who adds that they help people of all ages from late teens to senior citizens.
David Wywialowski, Director of Health Outreach at The Night MinistryMai Martinez
"We have several shelters for young people. We do outreach with our health outreach bus that visits tent encampments in specific neighborhoods in Chicago, where there's more need. We have a street medicine team. That van specifically visits tent, encampments under viaducts, and the final part of our outreach is at the CTA. We are at the end of the Red Line, Howard, on Wednesday nights and at the end of the Blue Line, Forest Park, on Thursday nights," says Wywialowski.
One of The Night Ministry's outreach vehicles bringing food and health services to those in need.Mai Martinez
The organizations estimates last year alone (2024) it served more that 5,400 clients and saved the State of Illinois about $2.7 (m)million dollars by bringing healthcare to people instead of those people going to emergency rooms.
Nurse practitioner Jenanne Luse working with The Night Ministry's health outreach team.Mai Martinez
Six days a week, their teams fan out across the city--providing those in need with basic necessities including bagged lunches.
"We hand out food, hygiene kits, any clothing that we have," explains Isaiah Thompson who is a team member. He adds, "a lot of times they appreciate body wipes, because sometimes they don't have access to water."
Staff member Isaiah Thompson preparing bagged lunches for The Night Ministry to hand out.Mai Martinez
57-years old Brittany is one of people The Night Ministry helps. She's grateful for the help and the human connection.
"I haven't eaten since yesterday, when Salvation Army came out gave us cups of soup. They treat us with dignity, respect, and kindness."
Wywialowski says that's at the heart of The Night Ministry's mission, "the impact that we have on people who are worst off in our city, just the opportunity we have to impact them, and get them through a day makes all the difference."
The Night Ministry, a Difference Maker.
