At Port Ministries, service to the Poor and Homeless originates from the belief in human dignity and individual worth. To accomplish this service in an effective manner, we have divided the ministry to the Poor and the Homeless into various outreach centers under the Port Ministries umbrella.

The Port is a ministry to the poor, homeless, families and children offering meals served from “the Bread Truck”, our “Soup Kitchen On Wheels”, plus an emerging ministry called “Mothers Kitchen”, a Restaurant for the Poor …

The Bread Truck is a mobile soup kitchen which “hits the streets” daily to provide nutritious meals to the poor and children of the neighborhood. In the summer months, we serve approximately 250 lunches to children each day in the local parks and when school resumes in the cold months, we serve approximately 225 meals to poor and homeless adults and children every evening. Gloves, hats and scarves are also provided when needed. Individuals, schools churches donate all food products and the truck is manned by volunteers.

Mother's Kitchen is a restaurant style feeding ministry. Feeding the poor and homeless in a restaurant setting has many advantages over a soup kitchen format. This setting replaces a “charity hand out” program with an empowerment program, and provides an environment of greater hospitality united with a true listening presence to guests rather than merely reaching across a counter with a bowl of soup... the barrier between server and guest will be removed. The restaurant features one listener at each table and one table for each family. The lower “guest to volunteer” ratio will allow for development of a more personal as well as a more respectful and dignified relationship with those being served. In addition, this new format will provide case management and referral for mental health or addiction issues, job skill enhancement programs and housing advocacy.

Food Donations are key gifts we depend on to feed the poor daily... predominantly coming from individuals, restaurants, stores, and various food organizations, suppliers and businesses. We feed the poor daily, therefore, we pray and “beg” daily and are in constant need of lunch meats, fresh meats, dry goods, canned goods, fruits and vegetables, beverages, etc… all the foods that any family would need to be properly fed. To aid in this foundational part of our services, our “pickup” van is available to pickup and transport foods to Port Ministries.

The Listening Ministry is the most essential active involvement as we relate with the poor. Its aim is to be among the poor and to come with an open heart to hear their life's story with its joys and troubles. Realizing that God is the third person listening and that He knows the person's heart, the listening minister gives time and energy to simply listen in an attitude of love and concern. Anyone can carelessly “hand out” answers and advice, but to listen engages hearts... then compassion and love can begin and deeper needs met.

The Mantle is a non-residential program providing sanctuary for neighborhood children and educational opportunities for their parents. Parents attend classes in ESL, GED preparation, basic computer classes, and other various family enrichment ministries. Children are cared for in toddler play areas, guided play and learning for pre-school children and tutoring and arts and crafts programs for school-aged children. Much is offered under the protection of Our Lady's Mantle, but everything offered concentrates on the improvement of the whole person in all facets of life.

Theresa House is a full-family shelter ( allowing families to remain together) which houses 65 adults and children for up to 120 days. Founded in 1997 as a response to the increasing number of families left homeless by financial straits or disaster, Theresa House, named in honor of Mother Theresa Dudzik, a Franciscan nun and early pioneer of social outreach in Chicago, is now one of the largest full-family shelters in Cook County. Our mission is to meet basic needs of food, shelter and safety and to offer referrals, case management and life skills enhancement programs to prepare families to successfully transition to stable and more permanent housing.

Tony's Gym is a safe recreational facility for children and youth ages 8-18. Gym, fitness and tutoring /mentoring programs are available to neighborhood youth as well as children living at Theresa House or participating in The Mantle programs. Most of the neighborhood youth live in poverty with violence, gang activity, drugs and addictions in their families. These societal problems have been repeated for generations; as a result, the children all too often suffer. The neediest youth served by Tony's Gym are those without homes who are currently residing in the Theresa House transitional family shelter. Fostering a spirit of teamwork as well as individual excellence, the wide-ranging activities available at Tony's Gym helps the child's body grow strong and healthy while continuing to educate them in valuable social and communication skills.

The Port Free Clinic is a basic health care provider for the uninsured and homeless. Staffed entirely by volunteer physicians and other health professionals, the clinic offers physicals, immunizations, free treatment and medications as well as educational programs such as well-baby care, nutrition and care for hypertensive and diabetic patients. The 2 nd floor of the Clinic building is an apartment used for overnight volunteer groups dedicated to serving at Port Ministries for an extended period of time.

Mission Support:

Madonna Queen of Peace , is our private “live-in” residence for Secular Franciscans, staff, volunteers, individuals dedicated to working at Port Ministries for an extended period of time; offering shelter, meals, mission/community experience, fellowship, daily Mass, prayer and support in their commitment to serve at Port Ministries. The residence also is used for events, retreats, meetings, visitors/guests, etc. as needed.

St. Mary of the Angels Secular Franciscan Fraternity, Canonically established in 1990, is a fraternity of Secular Franciscans dedicated to living the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, and are especially blessed because of the opportunity for hands-on service to the poor at Port Ministries… so essential in truly living out the Franciscan call and charism.

Child Walk, a ministry of prayer for Children - a most important focus of Port Ministries and their oftentimes horrible plight in families and society. To this end we have established CHILD WALK: committed sponsors praying three times a day for a specific child - by name … a child who is being served at Tony's Gym, The Mantle or Theresa House Ministries. Presently there are over 200+ children being prayed for by the same number of committed sponsors.


Connected with this praying part of our ministry is a traveling picture of our Lady of Guadalupe. This picture is taken to sponsors' homes, (if requested), for a novena of prayer for the children of Child Walk. The children are waiting for sponsors... can you find room in your heart for one of these little ones?

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