Franciscan Outreach

Franciscan Outreach provides a 257 bed shelter with separate men's and women's dorms that has been providing refuge for 30 years. The Shelter is located at 2715 W. Harrison Street on Chicago's West Side, just south of the I-290 expressway.

In 2012, at the urging of the City of Chicago, Franciscan Outreach assumed management of a 65-bed shelter at 200 S. Sacramento. Now known as Franciscan Annex, this space prevents vulnerable citizens from being turned back on to the streets.

At Franciscan House and Franciscan Annex, we provide all guests with:
a bed that includes sheets, a blanket, and a pillow.
a safe and drug-free environment
supper and breakfast
access to showers
visits by health care personnel
opportunities to meet with mental health workers
opportunities to build a better life

Volunteers

We are assisted by full time volunteers who live in community at the Marquard Center. These volunteers spend an entire year working directly with the men and women we serve, including performing various shelter jobs at Franciscan House.

Franciscan House needs community volunteers each night to greet and serve supper to guests, as well as help with daily shelter logistics. If you are interested in volunteering some of your time at Franciscan House, check the Shelter Volunteer page to learn more.

Supporting the Shelter Facilities
We are always in need of soap, deodorant, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products and other personal items. Whether you save them from a hotel stay or you buy them at the local store, these items are always appreciated. Our case managers provide our guests with vouchers to clothing distributors, so we do not usually accept clothing, except on rare occasions (such as winter coats, gloves, scarves, etc.) You can always check our Wish List to see what items are most needed.