Wednesday Dinners

Every Wednesday, a nutritious meal, donated by our partner restaurants and supporters, is provided to as many as 200 guests in the dining room at Catholic Charities, in downtown Chicago.

Social Services

The Chicago Help Initiative serves much more than food. We also provide our guests with access to an array of free social services.

Arts and Culture

We host regular outings for a group of our guests to some of the finest cultural and entertainment venues Chicago has to offer.

Workplace Support Center

On January 7, 2026 we officially debuted our new Workplace Support Center, and the response has been overwhelming. This initiative was designed to meet our guests where they are and provide the tools they need to move toward long-term stability and professional growth. 

In our very first week:

• 6 Guests served: Our inaugural “Job Club” sessions helped individuals begin their journey back to the workforce.
• Immediate Impact: Our volunteers are working side-by-side with guests to craft professional resumes, navigate job searches, and enroll in specialized training programs.
• High Demand: We already have a waiting list of 25 people eager for an appointment, demonstrating that our meal guests are ready and motivated to make positive changes in their lives. 

We Need Your Professional Expertise: To meet this incredible demand, we are seeking additional volunteers to join our Workplace Support Center.  If you can commit to Wednesdays from 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM at least once a month, you can help someone take the next step in their career. 

We assist with navigating digital resources, email communications, crafting resumes, and referring guests to qualified job-training programs.

New Foundations

The New Foundations program enables guests at our weekly meals to apply for Medicaid and SNAP benefits, get placed on the city’s housing lists, qualify for a free cell phone, obtain a new State ID, and apply for rental and utility assistance.