The Night Ministry focused on the ways it addresses the complexity of homelessness during Lighting Up the Night, its Annual Awards Dinner & Auction, held June 12, 2018.
"At The Night Ministry, we recognize that there is no single cause of homelessness, that it instead results from the intersection of several factors, such as affordable housing, physical and mental health, unemployment, and discrimination," said Paul W. Hamann, President and CEO of The Night Ministry. "We respond to this complex web on an individual basis, as we deliver compassionate care to each youth, adult, and child whom we serve."
During the event, Hamann spoke about several of the challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness and the ways The Night Ministry's Health Outreach Bus, Street Medicine Program, and five Youth Housing Programs support more than 5,300 adults and young people a year. Attendees also heard from one of The Night Ministry's clients, who discussed the conditions in his life that led to homelessness and the role The Night Ministry played in his obtainment of stable housing.
Rush University Medical Center was honored with the 2018 Lamplighter Award for partnering with The Night Ministry to provide mental health services to residents of The Night Ministry's Youth Housing Programs.
More than 470 guests attended the Lighting Up the Night, which was held at Loews Chicago Hotel and chaired by Sanjay Shah, Founder and CEO of Vistex. Retired WGN News Anchor and Night Ministry Board Member Emeritus Bob Jordan was the emcee.
The event, which also included live and silent auctions, raised nearly $500,000 for The Night Ministry. Proceeds will support its mission to provide housing, health care, and human connection to members of the Chicago community struggling with homelessness or poverty.
Thank you to our event sponsors, supporters, attendees, and volunteers who made 2018 Lighting Up the Night a big success!