Walk-In Ministry

Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation was a founding partner in creating the Oak Park River Forest Walk-In Ministry.  For many years the clergy and staff of the religious congregations of Oak Park noticed that people who found them self in need would travel from congregation to congregation seeking help.  While most of these congregations would provide some financial or other emergency aid, they did not have the staff or resources to povide comprehensive assistance to those who found themselves in crisis.

Throughout the summer of 2005 a group of clergy and other volunteers, including Rev. Alan Taylor, gathered to strategize a solution to the growing number of walk-ins to our congregations seeking help.  Developed out of these sessions, the Oak Park River Forest Walk-In Ministry was founded with initial support of Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation, First United Church of Oak Park and the Oak Park River Forest Community Foundation.  Housed at First United Church, this volunteer-run ministry is open six days a week to provide emergency assistance for those in our community.

The Walk-In Ministry utilizes a wholistic approach in assisting their clients.  They address immediate concerns by providing basic services to those in need such as emergency meals, clothes, and transportation assistance. They also provide necessary short-term assistance including help with obtaining proper identification, uttility payments and rental referrals and assistance.  In addition, the Walk-In Ministry strives to have a lasting impact on their clients’ lives by providing referrals to appropriate agencies and providing ongoing support.

Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congergation continues to support the efforts of the Walk-In Ministry through annual financial contrbutions.  In addition, we provide in-kind bookkeeping and and administrative support to the board and staff.

For more information on the Oak Park River Forest Walk-In Ministry, visit their website.