History
We were started in 1963 by Fr Phil Marquard, OFM, when he saw a need for a half-way house for ex-offenders. We have had several programs over the years. Our shelter called Franciscan House of Mary & Joseph was opened in 1983. Our Marquard Center soup kitchen has been at its location since 1990. We've had case managers since 1995. We added our Streets to Home housing program in 2006 and our Interim Housing program at the shelter in 2011.
Specialties
Franciscan Outreach is a leading provider of homeless services in Chicago. We operate as a system of support for men and women who are marginalized and homeless. Through six service sites, we provide a diverse array of programs and services including healthy meals, safe shelter, case management, housing programs, and access to specialized services such as health care, mental health counseling, and substance use disorder treatment. We compassionately welcome and serve all people, no matter what their life circumstances may be. We affirm each person's inherent dignity and value, and empower them to gain the stability they need to transition into permanent housing.