Jason, a Street Medicine client of The Night Ministry, has overcome nearly two decades of homelessness and addiction in Chicago. Today, thanks to The Night Ministry and a substance use treatment program, he enjoys permanent housing, stability, and hope.
“It means everything to me, having a place. I have the basic necessities. When you’re homeless, you don’t have a bathroom or a refrigerator. You can’t lay down on your couch, or turn the fan on, or wash your clothes. Now I have that. This is a new start for me,” Jason shared.
Jason moved to Chicago from Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina, only to face homelessness. For years, he lived in encampments on Lower Wacker, a location frequently visited by The Night Ministry’s Street Medicine team. This team provides medical care, survival supplies, and harm reduction tools to individuals living without shelter.
“The Night Ministry looked out for and cared about us. They were the only people who would come around when it was zero below,” Jason recalled.
Through treatment, Jason found stability. Before that, harm reduction supplies like sterile syringes from The Night Ministry helped him and others stay as healthy as possible.
“When they started with harm reduction, you didn’t have people sharing needles anymore. You don’t see as many infections,” he noted.
The Night Ministry’s reliability is well-known among Chicago’s unsheltered population. Jason values this, along with the support from staff members like Clinical Supervisor Stephan Koruba and Street Medicine Case Manager Sylvia Hibbard.
“Sylvia got me my insurance and my Link card, which allows me to access food assistance. Stephan picked me up and took me to most of my doctor appointments,” Jason said. “The Night Ministry supports me like a family. They didn’t give up on me.”
Jason’s story is a powerful testament to the impact of The Night Ministry, illustrating how consistent care and compassion can transform lives.
Source: The Night Ministry is Like Family for Street Medicine Client Jason