Chicago is home to an estimate 21,000 homeless people, and a combination of social ills make the problem even more daunting. Substance abuse, mental illness, domestic violence and poverty all contribute, and a fundamental transformation is usually required to break the cycle.
Breakthrough Urban Ministries is reaching out to people on the west and north side and Chicago by providing a safe refuge for those in need and helping individuals from the inside out. Nearly 1,000 homeless men and women annually use these services, which offer housing, food, counseling, referrals, job training, clothing and devotions. Programs for youths and families provide tutoring, sporting activities, and bible study to 250 Garfield Park children.
"We are often that refuge for people when there is nowhere else to go," said Breakthrough’s Development Director Nancy Hall. The Breakthrough Urban Ministry takes a holistic approach that works from the inside out and yields long-term results.
"It takes relationships in most cases to overcome the hardest circumstances, such as drug addiction," said Bill Curry, Breakthrough’s youth outreach director "What better way to bless somebody who has been marginalized by society than to surround them by people who care about them?"
A fundamental aspect of the programs is to offer an expanding network of support, and that's one of the most valuable contributions that the volunteer make. "We have all had a time where help is in need. People who come in can experience the love of Christ," said Keith Johnson, a board member. It takes a community of dedicated people to make this possible.
Breakthrough has a very broad base of support, including 25 churches, various foundations, 1,000 donors and 1,000 volunteers. Long-term volunteers and donations are welcome and make the impact of the organization possible. A behind the scenes tour will be take place on June 4 from 6 to 7 p.m. for people who would like to learn more about the organization. To RSVP for a tour, contact Yashika at ywright@breakthroughministries.com or 773.722.1144 x238.
The Breakthrough Ministry Center, a 30-bed shelter for men, is scheduled to open in September in the East Garfield Park neighborhood. It will replace the men’s shelter located on the north side of Chicago, mainly because the need for such services is greater in East Garfield Park.
There are many opportunities to make a difference in the lives of youth, families, and the homeless. Other organizations in Chicago include:
Inspiration Corporation offers job training, restaurant style meals, housing and case management in Chicago’s north and south side neighborhoods.
The National Runaway Switchboard is a hotline for youths in crisis and their families with the national call center located on the north side of Chicago.
Idealist.org and VolunteerMatch have a database of non-profit organizations that are looking for volunteers.
