Franciscan Outreach exists as a safety net for hundreds of men and women who rely on us to provide for their immediate basic human needs and who count on us to safeguard them from harm. During this COVID-19 pandemic, we are especially concerned about our guests who are most vulnerable, including people who are 60 years old or older and have underlying health conditions that put them at greater risk for illness.

We’re working closely with our community partners on Chicago’s West Side, including Rush University Medical Center, Heartland Alliance, Lawndale Christian Health Center, University of Illinois Hospital, and A Safe Haven to put protective measures in place to minimize the risk of illness and transmission and to address the urgent medical needs of our guests.

In an effort to increase social distancing to reduce the risk of exposure, we have installed adjustable wall partitions at the largest of our three shelters on Chicago’s West Side. We’re also operating all of our shelters 24 hours a day, seven days per week.

However, the immediate needs of our guests and our shelters has grown tremendously.

To provide immediate assistance, please consider making a financial contribution.