Basic center program to service runaway and homeless youth ages 14-17 with intensive street outreach services - the basic center program (BCP) (CY) provides temporary shelter and counseling services…

The Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families awarded The Night Ministry $700,000 on September 30, 2025, under the Basic Center Grant Program (CFDA 93.623) to provide emergency shelter, food, clothing, counseling, and health care referrals to runaway and homeless youth ages 14–17 with intensive street outreach services. The award carries a period of performance through September 29, 2028. The program provides up to 21 days of temporary shelter and crisis intervention to youth who have left home without parental permission, been forced to leave home, or lack safe alternative living arrangements, with the goal of reuniting young people with their families whenever possible or locating appropriate alternative placements. Services are delivered in Illinois. The Night Ministry is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization serving homeless populations and youth in crisis through federal grants in the homelessness and youth intervention space, operating additional programs under HHS Administration on Children and Families including a Transitional Living Program for ages 16–22 and a Maternity Group Home Program for pregnant and parenting youth ages 16–22.

Basic center program to service runaway and homeless youth ages 14-17 with intensive street outreach services - the basic center program (BCP) (CY) provides temporary shelter and counseling services to youth who have left home without permission of their parents or guardians, have been forced to leave home, or other homeless youth who might otherwise end up in the law enforcement or in the child welfare, mental health, or juvenile justice systems. Bcps work to establish or strengthen community-based programs that meet the immediate needs of runaway and homeless youth and their families. Bcps provide youth under 18 years of age with emergency shelter, food, clothing, counseling and referrals for health care. Bcps can provide up to 21 days of shelter for youth and seek to reunite young people with their families, whenever possible, or to locate appropriate alternative placements.