Housing the Homeless in Chicago - The Pacific Garden Mission

The Pacific Garden Mission in Chicago, Illinois, is often referred to as "The Old Lighthouse" and for very good reason. It has been a beacon to many whose lives been tossed to and fro on the oceans of life - not knowing which direction to turn. It has led many to a place of refuge, safety and hope.

After opening it's doors in 1877, the Old Lighthouse has been more than just a mission. People who come to its doorsteps are met with warm smiles and a place to rest at the end of the day. Medical and dental care are provided free of charge to those who need it, and hot meals satisfy their hunger. Also, they are given hope for their future by hearing sound instruction and direction which helps them get back into life and on their own. Ultimately, the mission helps people find the real answer to all of the problems in life - a relationship with Jesus Christ.

The Pacific Garden Mission is the oldest continuously running mission in the country. Countless lives have been touched by their various ministry outreaches in some form or another. Only God knows what seeds have been planted and only in eternity will those who have served be able to reap the boundless benefits and blessings due to them.

More than 166,000 people in Chicago are homeless in a year's time. The mission reaches out to the homeless in Chicago providing sleeping accommodations for the night, delicious hot meals, and other resources if the need arises.

The various ministries of the Old Lighthouse include but are not limited to, a men's division, a women's division, a jail ministry, medical clinic, Polish ministry, Bible education and food distribution in Chicago's housing projects.

The Gospel League Home houses women overnight who need accommodations as well as more long-term shelter for women and children who need it.

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When a man walks into the Pacific Garden Mission, he is greeted warmly and then interviewed to find out his specific needs. He is then given nightly accommodations which include a hot shower, a hot meal and a place to sleep and sleep wear. If determined by the interview, he may also receive clothing and medical assistance.

At PGM's medical clinic, as many as 500 patients a month are treated from everything to a cold to terminal diseases such as AIDS for free of charge. Highly educated doctors volunteer their services in the areas of medical, dental, and optical. Other clinic services provided are a psychiatric clinic, counseling, CPR training, crisis pregnancy counseling and vaccinations.

Another ministry provided by PGM is reaching out to disciple those who have found themselves in trouble with the law. The outreach distributes free Bibles to inmates, conducts Bible studies and offers sound instruction that wil help them to re-enter society.

Another unique and intriguing ministry provided by The Old Lighthouse is a wonderful and exiting radio drama called UNSHACKLED!

UNSHACKLED! is true accounts of how people's lives have been changed after putting their faith in Jesus Christ. Some of these changes are drastic!

UNSHACKLED! may be heard on radio stations all over the world and is broadcasted over 6,500 times a week, and is heard in seven different languages. UNSHACKLED! may also be heard online.

Listen now to UNSHACKLED! and hear stories of people that have been delivered from drugs, saved from suicide and many other dramatic interventions.