I'm thrilled to share some exciting news with you. We have recently learned of some new grants and contracts that will allow us to increase the number of case managers that serve Franciscan Outreach guests. Our case managers help guests fill a wide range of needs, from housing, health care, counseling and vocational training to identification, legal aid and government assistance.

A grant from the Chicago Community Trust will support the hiring of two additional case managers to work with guests at the Franciscan House Shelter. In 2011, case managers assisted 1,960 different people, including more than 450 at the shelter.  

The City of Chicago has increased funding for our Streets to Home Initiative, adding 17 slots and bringing the number of individuals on their way to permanent housing at any given time through the program to 43. A new case manager will be hired to work with Streets to Home clients. We are also progressing toward launch of a day program at the Marquard Center with city funding, which would enable the addition of a case worker to the center's staff.

Thank You, Milk & Honey Cafe!

Franciscan Outreach is fortunate to have the support of our Marquard Center Wicker Park/Bucktown neighbors, including both individuals and local businesses. We want to offer heartfelt thanks to Milk & Honey Café for once again hosting a campaign to benefit the homeless and needy we serve. Through the month of February, Milk & Honey is donating $1 for the sale of every oatmeal cup, a new offering on the café's menu. Please visit Milk & Honey Café at 1920 W. Division to sample their tasty selection of sandwiches, salads, soups and sweets - you can check out the offerings at www.milkandhoneycafe.com. Enjoy an oatmeal cup this month to benefit Franicscan Outreach.

Urge Governor Quinn to Stop the Cutbacks

According to the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, up to $900 could be cut from the FY 2013 budget in the Illinois Department of Human Services alone, and other agencies could also see cuts that would affect critical safety net programs.

Please take a moment to call the Governor's office - 217-782-0244 to reach the Springfield office or 312-814-2121 for the Chicago office. Urge that the Governor not balance the state budget on the backs of families in crisis. Ask that he commit the following in his FY 2013 budget to maintain and restore critical funding for homeless programs: $5 million for Homeless Prevention, $9.1 million of Emergency Shelter and Transitional Housing, $4.7 million for Homeless Youth, and $1 million for Homeless Education.

May 10, 2012 - Hold the Date

Plan on joining other friends of Franciscan Outreach on Thursday evening, May 10, at a beautiful place on Chicago's incredible lakefront for our Spring Dinner benefit. You'll enjoy a sumptuous meal and refreshments, entertainment, and the chance to win some highly desirable raffle prizes and silent auction finds, to say nothing of the world-class view. For information about event sponsorship opportunities or how you can help us help more in need by donating goods or services to the raffle or silent auction, please call development director Kevin Morrissey at 773-278-6724.

Diana Faust, SFO

Executive Director   

(773) 278-6724  

diana@franoutreach.org