On a cold winter night in Chicago, the last place most people want to be is outdoors. Unfortunately, people struggling with poverty and homelessness often don’t have that choice. It is with this understanding in mind that DePaul alumni, faculty and staff take DePaul’s mission to heart by volunteering with The Night Ministry. Each year, this 40-year-old, Chicago-based nonprofit provides housing, health care and human connection to 5,200 adults, teens, pregnant women and new moms in six Chicago neighborhoods. Jamie Moncrief, assistant director of visual content in DePaul’s Office of Public Relations and Communications, rode with the crew of The Night Ministry’s Health Outreach bus to photograph them in action.
The Night Ministry’s Health Outreach bus travels to Chicago’s Humboldt Park, where volunteers will spend the evening providing health care, food, clothing and personal hygiene supplies to those in need.
Matthew Sorenson, associate director of the master’s entry to nursing practice program at DePaul’s College of Science and Health, regularly volunteers his expertise to The Night Ministry. Here, he discusses treatment options with Magdeline Cruz inside the Health Outreach bus. Cruz credits the organization with getting her off the streets and providing her with health care that is financially out of her reach.
Matt Holmes (CDM ’14) and Melanie Fritz go through their supplies of food, beverages and outerwear to help fortify those in need against the harsh winter weather.
Members of the First Congregational Church of Western Springs hand out bag lunches near The Night Ministry’s Health Outreach bus during a Sunday afternoon stop.
Needy members of the Humboldt Park community wait patiently for food, supplies and health care services outside the Health Outreach bus.
Hospitality volunteers Hani Kuttab, right, and J.R. Clark offer up conversation with the hot beverages and supplies they hand out to those who count on The Night Ministry’s services for some basic needs, including human contact.
DePaul Magazine 
Dear Friends,
How are you? Please let me know how can I be the volunteer to go with “The Night Ministry bus”. Thank you very much.
I am currently teaching in the Math Department.
Marie Ju yju@depaul.edu
Hi Marie,
Thanks for reaching out! I’ll email you offline.
Best,
Kelsey