Apr 27, 2007 11:23 pm US/Central
Night Ministry Bus: A Giant Care Package On Wheels
Volunteers, Social Workers, Nurses Take To The Streets To Help Those Living On The Streets
by Vince Gerasole
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
At night the Night Ministry bus takes to the streets to help those living on the streets -- along the way, it touches lives, transforming them for the better.
As CBS 2's Vince Gerasole reports, the journey begins at sunset aboard a giant care package on wheels.
"We provide consistency to people in their lives," said Paul William Hamann.
When the Night Ministry bus pulls up at the North Side's more troubled corners, a small crowd is usually waiting.
"I love these guys and without them I don't know where I'll be about you know," said a man named Eric.
Volunteers and social workers bolt from the bus and in seconds their folding chairs create an outdoor parlor. From their tables they distribute chips, sandwiches and other foods to a line of people in need.
"We do a lot of work with individuals who are just one paycheck away from being homeless," Hamann said.
The night bus first took to the streets in 1976, as a number of congregations asked how they could meet the needs of a troubled community after hours.
On board people in need can get everything from condoms to cookies and nurses tend to health needs that include HIV testing and writing prescriptions.
"Thanks to her my blood pressure is under control because I've been going years without taking pills," said Darrell Jones.
What the Night Ministry is also providing is a human touch, an open ear and perhaps the only consistent relationship some of these people have in their lives.
"When I was trying to find a job I'd get discouraged and they helped me out to get my hopes up you know -- raise my hopes up," Eric said.
"It makes you feel good when I can talk to somebody and tell 'em what's on my mind -- take it off my mind, you know?" said Steve Demitro.
Len Strauch, a printer from Park Ridge, has been volunteering with the Night Ministry for five years now.
"I actually feel better talking to them as much as they talk to me, so, I mean, it's a give and take," he said.
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