The Campaign for The Night Ministry

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View Our Progess

Since 1976, The Night Ministry has led the way in developing innovative models of care and outreach to Chicagoans experiencing homelessness or poverty. We are at an important juncture in our history, hoping to take advantage of several opportunities to enhance the quality of our services and operations and increase collaboration among our programs.

Total Amount Needed: $8,700,000

Funds raised as of August 26, 2020

The Campaign for The Night Ministry recognizes four elements for success

1

Capital for Move to and Improvements of 1735 North Ashland for The Crib, Health Outreach Bus Program, and The Night Ministry's Central Office

The relocation of The Crib, our overnight shelter for young adults experiencing homelessness, to 1735 North Ashland addresses facility concerns faced by the program in its original location. The new space features separate sleeping, dining, and recreation areas, multiple private washrooms and showers, and more, providing a more dignified experience for the program's guests.

1735 North Ashland serves as the new home for The Night Ministry's Health Outreach Bus, uniting the Bus with the Outreach & Health Ministry staff in the same location for the first time in the program's 32-year history. A dedicated loading dock and strategic access to donation and supply storage at the new location are improving the Bus program's efficiency.

The Night Ministry's central administration has relocated to 1735 North Ashland, accomodating expanded operational needs that have come with growth in programs and staff over the last two decades. The new building features technology upgrades, collaborative working spaces, and increased capacity to host staff, volunteers, board meetings, and more while providing options for future growth.

2

Capacity Building and Sustainability Fund for the First Three Years of Operation at 1735 North Ashland

The Night Ministry's committment to responsible fiscal sustainability is demonstrated by our four-star rating from Charity Navigator for three years in a row. The capacity building and sustainability fund prudently ensures financial security given increased operating costs for the first three years in our new location.

3

Enhanced Care at the Response-Ability Pregnant & Parenting Program

Funds raised will help us implement forthcoming program and facility changes designed to best address the unique challenges facing young pregnant and parenting mothers and their children.

4

Growing the Endowment to Facilitate Resiliency in Responding to Future Needs

Building our endowment from $3.8 million to $5 million or more will allow funds to be withdrawn to support programs and increase our ability to respond to the changing needs of the individuals whom we serve.

For more information about supporting The Campaign for The Night Ministry, including Gift Recognition Opportunities, or to schedule a tour of the new builidng, please contact Christy Prassas, Vice President of Development & External Relations, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 773-506-6035.

Campaign Honor Roll

$500,000 – $999,999
Anonymous Friend of The Night Ministry (3)
The Night Ministry Board of Directors (23)

$250,000 – $499,999
Anonymous Friend of The Night Ministry (4)
Crown Family Philanthropies
Jackie & Dan Frett
Haeger Family Foundation
Joseph & Bessie Feinberg Foundation
Julius Frankel Foundation
The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation

$100,000 – $249,999
Anonymous Friend of The Night Ministry (3)
The Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust
Dan & Pat Jorndt

$25,000 – $99,999
Anonymous Friend of The Night Ministry (3)
Alvin H. Baum Family Fund
Charleen Cepek
The Grainger Foundation
Kemper Educational & Charitable Fund
Lutheran Church of the Ascension
Laurie McCollum & Carl Warschausky
Clark Pellet & Robert Kohl
Karen & Dick Pigott
Prince Charitable Trusts
Tim Sherck
The Grainger Foundation
The Night Ministry Associate Board
Sandra Vitantonio & Tilden Cummings, Jr.

$10,000 – $24,999
Anonymous Friend of The Night Ministry (2)
Susan & William Bennett
Kristi Dahm & Brian Herman
Melanie Ehrhart & Tom O'Malley
Melanee Jech
Pierce Family Foundation
Len Strauch
The A. Montgomery Ward Foundation
The Clorox Company
The Estate of Therese Lynch
The Night Ministry Staff (57)

$1,000 – $9,999
Anonymous Friend of The Night Ministry
Laura & Everett Bell
ComEd Energy Efficiency Program
Merle Cooper
Dart Foundation
Epiphany United Church of Christ
Dan Foley
Janine Landow-Esser & Jeff Esser
Bozena & John McLees
Pilgrim Congregational Church, Oak Park
Robin & Peter Roberts Family Fund
St. Clement's Parish
Barbara Timberlake

Less than $1,000
Charles River & Associates
Church of St. John the Evangelist
Bettie Coffey
George Dornseif
Debra Kerr
Paula Krupke
Carol Lobbes
Maryrose Murphy

Campaign Cabinet

Don Mizerk, Chair
Michael V. Borromeo
Kristi Dahm
Melanie Ehrhart
William A. Goldstein
Terrence McMahon
Dana S. Ringer
Carl Warschausky

Campaign Partners

The Alford Group
Campaign Counsel

Bulley & Andrews
Construction Contractor

Wheeler Kearns Architects
Central Office Design

View Our Progress

Morning at The Crib, our overnight shelter for young adults, at its prior location

Guests sleept on mats on the floor, which were put away in storage every morning.
The dorm room at the new location

At 1735 North Ashland, guests sleep on beds in a dedicated dorm room.
The Vibe is the lounge for guests of The Crib

Guests can relax, play games, access computers, and take a break in the lounge.
The dining room at the new Crib location

The dining room is also used for group activities and house meetings.
Loading up the Health Outreach Bus at the old headquarters

The Bus was parked overnight more than three miles away from The Night Ministry's previous headquarters.
Parking for The Night Ministry's vehicles

1735 North Ashland has parking for the Health Outreach Bus and Street Medicine Van when they are not in use.
1735 has a dedicated loading dock

Supplies and donations can be brought in and out of the building with ease.
Administrative offices on the second and third floors

1735 North Ashland has room for staff expansion.