MBT Outreach Programs

Sarah’s Circle – Women’s Shelter

Founded in the 1970s, Sarah’s Circle provides interim housing with 50 beds and 24-hour shelter in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood. They provide daily essentials, community space, educational and general interest programming, case management and clinical services. Sarah’s Circle works with the women to help them find permanent housing. They also have a 22-unit permanent supportive housing program that helps the most vulnerable women end their homelessness.

MBT’s Sangha has started various efforts to support the work of Sarah’s Circle:

    • During the winter we collect and donate warm clothing, scarves, hats and gloves.
    • All year around we have a collection bin located in the Social Hall with lists of toiletries and other items that are currently in high demand or items to be replenished regularly.
    • We meet once a month to make sandwich bags to give to Sarah’s Circle as well as other needy individuals around the city.
    • At least twice a year (including near Christmas Eve), MBT members gather to make and serve a hot meal at Sarah’s Circle. During these dinners, our members engage in conversations with the residents – it is this sense of giving (Dana) of our time and energy that is so important.

North Side Housing and Supportive Services (Michael Segoviano Interim Housing Program) – Men’s Shelter

The shelter serves up to 72 men at one time and provides shelter, meals, showers, and intensive case management 365 days a year.

Along with making sandwich bags for Sarah’s Circle once per month, we also distribute sandwiches to this men’s shelter on Lawrence. Near the winter holidays, we collect and purchase men’s underwear (boxer briefs, t-shirts, socks) and travel-size toiletries.

Tent City and Downtown Men’s Hotel

Currently, we also make sandwich bags for a tent city south of the Loop and a men’s hotel located in downtown Chicago.

Some of the men can pay for a hotel room (on a weekly basis) but cannot afford food. The hotel also allows men without rooms to rest in their lobby. If we have extra toiletries, we also distribute them at these locations.

These endeavors are paid for by our planned events: Family Fun Nights, Bake Sales and other fundraisers to be scheduled. Your support of any of these activities and monetary donations help fund our efforts for Sarah’s Circle, North Side Housing, the tent city and the downtown men’s hotel. If you would like to volunteer, donate money or needed items please contact the office (312 943 7801 or office@mbtchicago.org) or talk to Joy Zavala.