South Side Ministry for the Needy in Need After Boiler Breaks

“This boiler isn’t just giving us heat, its giving us programs," said Port Ministries Executive Director David Gonzalez

For 30 years, The Port Ministries has provided help for thousands on the South Side, but they’re currently now unable to operate because the boiler that provided heat for two main buildings broke after 16 years.

Port Ministries Executive Director David Gonzalez said their Back of the Yards neighborhood nonprofit has been shut down.

“Because of the size and age of the building it’s not cheap,” Gonzalez said. “This boiler isn’t just giving us heat, its giving us programs.”

The organization offers free preschool classes, afterschool programs for youth, adult ESL and GED courses. It also provides over 150,000 free meals every year.

But the cold hasn't kept everyone away. This week at the free walk-in medical clinic, volunteer doctors and nurses still served the sick -- even in freezing rooms.

“Doctors running around in coats, I am running between patients with my mittens on its like ‘oh yeah I can’t do vitals with a pair of mittens on’ so it’s been cold to say the least,” said nursing student and volunteer Cassandra Goldschmidt.

“We believe in the good of people, in love in care that’s why we do what we do,” Gonzalez said.

The cheapest of boilers they priced out were $65,000. They hope to raise that money in the next two weeks in order to continue offering the classes and refuge the community depends on.

If you want to help, you can donate at their site or send a check, made out to PORT MINISTRIES, PO BOX 09168 Chicago, IL 60609.

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