Chicago,
IL
Overview:
The “Windy City” is one of
the most ethnically diverse areas, boasting over 200 ethnic and language
groups, but at the same time is also one of the most segregated. Chicago’s
residential areas are broken out into hundreds of distinct neighborhoods, and
racial tensions are high. Finding affordable housing is challenging and
shelters are limited, leaving many of the close to 165,000 homeless to find
shelter from the cold in alleys, on the train, in abandoned buildings, or on
underground streets. AIDS, prostitution, gang violence, and drug abuse are
prevalent in the community. All this takes place behind the scenes, while the
upper-economic areas of the city grow and thrive. You’ll be able to partner
with a host of dynamic inner-city organizations, bringing Christ to the
homeless, the addicted, the abused, and those afflicted with AIDS.
Ministry:
The issues that exist in
Chicago are more than just space and money, they are emotional and spiritual.
Your team will have an opportunity to give yourself away to the locals in the
community by participating in minor cleanup and repair projects, ministering
through prayer walks, serving in local homeless shelters or food pantries, and
taking part in children’s ministry outreaches.
Lodging for leaders and support staff: AIM
is intentional about finding housing that is separate from the participants. On occasion summer interns and support
staff may be asked to be on a rotating schedule to stay with the team in case
of any emergencies.
Lodging for participants:
Lodging will be provided
at a local church or downtown ministry. Air mattresses, bedding, and towels are
recommended
On Project Transportation:
–
AIM will have
a rental vehicle or a company vehicle (sedan or 15 passenger van) that the
Ministry Coordinators will use for the summer.
–
AIM
participants and leadership also may use public transportation i.e. street cars
Medical Facilities:
Northwestern Memorial
Hospital
251 E. Huron
Chicago, IL 60611
312- 926-2000
