Pacific Garden Mission

Pacific Garden Mission is a major shelter for homeless individuals on Chicago's Near West Side offering beds, meals, and supportive services to those without housing. The facility also houses radio production studios and runs comprehensive programs designed to assist residents with their immediate and ongoing needs.

Founded in 1877 by Colonel George Clarke and his wife Sarah, the mission has served as a major assistance point for people in need in Chicago for generations. The current building opened in 2007, representing a modern chapter in the organization's long history of providing help.

The facility reflects a strong commitment to spiritual renewal through its work with homeless individuals, visible in the daily interactions and programs throughout the building. This religious foundation shapes how the place operates and how people experience support and community within its walls.

The facility offers three daily meals, overnight accommodations, clothing distribution, and educational programs for those in need. Access is straightforward, and separate areas for men and women ensure comfort and safety for all residents.

The facility operates Unshackled!, an international radio drama series since 1950 that broadcasts spiritual stories in seven languages and stands as a distinctive cultural output of the place. These production studios integrated into the building allow the mission to spread its message far beyond Chicago's physical boundaries.