Two Southside Agencies Provide Lifesaving Services to the Homeless Through Bitter Cold

Matthew House Chicago and Featherfist, two prominent Southside agencies are among the city of Chicago’s oldest Black-owned organizations serving individuals who are experiencing homelessness, announce extended operation hours in response to severe weather conditions. Each agency has been providing additional emergency services since Jan.12, and both agencies are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals experiencing homelessness during these challenging periods.

As the temperature plummeted this past weekend and continues to descend with the weather conditions remaining increasingly unforgiving for people who are homeless, Matthew House-Chicago, 3722 S. Indiana Ave., is a daytime drop-in center dedicated to offering a safe and warm haven alongside Featherfist, 2255 E. 75^th St., which provides Outreach services to individuals sleeping on the streets, under viaducts, and in other uninhabitable locations during Chicago’s harsh weather. These Southside agencies are unwavering in their commitment to the safety and well-being of our homeless population. Together, they provide essential support, including warm daytime shelter, full meals, showers, warm clothing and outreach services to those in need.

Once again, on Wednesday, Jan. 17 and until Monday, Jan. 22, Matthew House -Chicago and Featherfist will be extending its operational hours to ensure that individuals seeking shelter have a warm and safe place to stay during inclement weather. The extended hours will be as follows: Matthew House -Chicago, Wednesday, Jan. 17 until Monday, Jan. 22, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., FeatherFist providing around-the-clock outreach services. The two agencies have been providing services for more than 30 years and understands the challenges for people experiencing homelessness.

Matthew House -Chicago daytime services are: (1) warm, safe environment during daytime hours. (2) Hot, nutritious meals are served; (3) Hygiene, including showers and clean clothing (when available) are provided

Together, we can positively impact the lives of those experiencing homelessness during severe weather conditions. We encourage community members to inform individuals who may need our services during our extended hours.

For further information or inquiries, please get in touch with Dr. Sanja Rickette Stinson, CEO -of Matthew House – at 773-339-8216 Email: eldersanja@matthewhousechicago.org, website: https://www.mhchicago.org

FeatherFist: Melanie Anewiski 773-721-7088 https://featherfist.org