Franciscan Outreach is proud to be a leading homeless services provider in Chicago. Our legacy of delivering healthy food, safe shelter, and comprehensive care to our neighbors in need began over sixty years ago by Fr. Phil Marquard, and the organization was officially formed in 1976. Our current programs include three emergency shelters, personalized case management services, a day program/drop-in center, rapid rehousing and, most recently, medical respite care services. Every
person who comes to Franciscan Outreach is considered a guest, and we work collaboratively to address each person’s individual needs to help them overcome the obstacles of homelessness.

Our annual Gala is an opportunity to publicly thank our generous donors and celebrate the work that we do. The event includes cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a 3-course dinner, and organizational highlights at the magnificent Drake Hotel.

This year, Christine Haley, Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) State Homelessness Chief, will be our esteemed host, and we are honored to present the Inaugural Fr. Phil Marquard Award to Dr. Jim O’Connell. Dr. O’Connell has dedicated his medical career to serving Boston’s homeless population and is the subject of Tracy Kidder’s NY Times bestseller book Rough Sleepers: Dr. Jim O’Connell’s Urgent Mission to Bring Healing to Homeless People. Not only will Dr. O’Connell accept the award, he will also deliver keynote remarks and participate in a book signing.

Please join us for a night to remember!