Back of the Yards · Englewood · Gage Park
A soup kitchen on wheels, a free health clinic, and a room where kids do their homework — run out of one building on Hermitage Avenue since 1985.
What one building does in a year
Programs & services
Summer: Mon–Sat, 11am–2pm · Rest of year: Mon–Fri 5–8pm, Sat 11am–2pm
Our “soup kitchen on wheels” drives to eight different locations around the neighborhood, six days a week. Meals are donated by parishes, partners and corporations, then handed out free — no sign-up, no questions.
Tuesday, 6–8pm
Primary and urgent care for uninsured and under-insured neighbors, staffed by volunteer doctors, nurses and practitioners. Chronic disease management, mental health, urgent care, lab testing, medication, physicals and referrals.
Tuesday–Friday, 3–5pm
Elementary and middle school students from the neighborhood come four days a week for free tutoring, mentoring, homework help and activities. Staff work closely with parents to support what the schools are already teaching.
Applications open year-round
An intentional covenant community where eight young professionals live together and give more than twenty hours of service a month to the organization. Residents are selected by application and interview.
Where the money comes from
We do not receive support from large foundations or institutes. The majority of our funding comes from individuals who believe in our Franciscan-inspired mission and want to positively impact the lives of those in need. A gift at whatever level suits you keeps the truck running and the clinic open.
By check: make it out to “Port Ministries” and mail to PO Box 09168, Chicago, IL 60609. Food and supply donations: call 773.778.5955 or email info@theportministries.org. The Port Ministries is a 501(c)(3); gifts are tax-deductible.
Volunteer
Whether you want to serve meals, make meals, mentor youth or support our programs, tell us which of our three programs fits you and the right coordinator will reach out.
Sample form — not connected in this preview.
