10,000+ full meals
served every year
become a volunteer
CARING FOR OUR FRIENDS
We’re here to help
We tackle Chicago’s food, housing and healthcare crises through an all-inclusive, no questions asked approach that provides easy access to critical resources.
LEARN MORE
Make A Monthly GIft
Building pathways to success for Chicago’s unhoused.
Food for Friends
Care for Friends serves thousands of sit-down, hot meals each year through a three-days-per-week lunch program
Toiletries for Friends
Guests receive personal hygiene kits for basic self-care (soap, shampoo, toothbrush/toothpaste, razor/shave cream)
Healthcare for Friends
Guests of this program receive foot care and evaluations twice per month by a team of volunteers including nurses and podiatric doctors
Connections for Friends
We invite representatives from partner organizations to attend our meals to start creating community connections with our guests
Become a Volunteer
There are many opportunities to volunteer to serve Chicago’s most vulnerable – whether it be serving a meal, assisting in medical care, distributing warm clothes, and more.
Groups & Corporations
Whether you’re a group of friends, or part of a company that wants to advance philanthropic goals, volunteering at Care For Friends is a great way to make a difference.
Make a donation
Looking for other ways to help? Donations made through our website help connect Chicago’s most vulnerable with the resources they need to achieve a better quality of life.
Weekly Service Schedule
📍 Lincoln Park
Address: 530 W. Fullerton Parkway
Days: Mondays & Saturdays
🍽️ Hot Meals: 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
🛒 Food Pantry: 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
📍 Edgewater
Address: 5749 N. Kenmore Avenue
Day: Thursdays
🍽️ Hot Meals & Food Pantry: 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
📍 South Loop
Address: 1936 S. Michigan Avenue
Day: Sundays
🍽️ Hot Meals: 6:45–8:30 p.m.
Care For Friends – Strategic Plan and Financials
View or download our strategic plan and recent 990
CFF Strategic Plan – PDF
Plan
990 Package_ 2024
testimonials
Here’s what our community is saying
Whether you’re a volunteer or a guest, our goal is to provide a great experience for everyone who participates in our programs
“You guys help me out so much with my three kids! We’re grateful for everything you do!”
Chalmers Family
FRIEND
“I have had such a great experience with Care For Friends, thank you for all your hard work! You make eating and grocery shopping so easy on me!”
DePaul Student
FRIEND
“With my health issues and two kids you guys help more than you know. I really appreciate you guys and everything you do.”
Ray Graham
FRIEND
Become a Volunteer
We’d love to have you join us!
Meal Service
We are seeking volunteers to prepare and serve a hot meal to unhoused and vulnerable people on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
Screening Clinic
The second Saturday of every month, non-clincial and clinical volunteers work to create a healthcare home for basic check ups that is not the emergency room (requires orientation)
Foot Care Clinic
This program is essential for our guests who rarely change their shoes and socks, and runs on the third Saturday and final Monday of every month
Personal Care Item Initiative
Join us in dispensing personal hygiene kits for basic self-care (soap, shampoo, toothbrush/toothpaste, razor/shave cream)
