GOD'S LOUD ROBOT THUGS STEAL YOUR STUFF This review is not comparative. It is not on a sliding scale. I award an "F" to the institution it describes, as an example of its American kind. I give it an "F" because, like most of the rest of America, it deserves one for gross inequities of wealth and power, which evangelicals only increase. So, without apology to the morally retarded, or to the despots among us who make such monuments to hypocrisy, and who are busy destroying Western Civilization, here is a list of the facts about PGM that PGM staff are most determined to hide. 1). The donors are mostly good people, but the staff at PGM, whose paychecks absorb most of the donations, are mostly rotten beyond remedy. 2). PGM is a hateful cult, dominated by sneering psychopath gangsters, and administered by a smiling psychopath lawyer. This is what is meant by "faith based" in the deceptive advertising that hospital administrators refer to when coaxing consent from indigent patients to be dumped at PGM. Vicious sarcasm sets the tone, and the rest is mostly gratuitous humiliation that wastes donors' resources and wrecks everyone else's health. Violent offenders--allegedly redeemed, the loudest of the loud, repulsively pushy--rule to the near exclusion of some decent people who are on staff. (How these saints retain their sanity is the only miracle of PGM.) 3). The instant you enter the building, your belongings become property of the crooks in PGM security. Medicines, documents, photos, identification, password lists, coats, gloves, diaries, clothing, shoes, everything, no matter how crucial or costly or private, no matter what the health or well-being consequences of their loss, no matter how frail or old or desperate you are, PGM security staff can and will take it or throw it away, without warning, recourse or apology. They do that using a hidden rule about the lockers, which was made in bad faith, and is even more cynically exploited as such. It is that if you miss one overnight stay, you are considered to be no longer staying at PGM, and your locker's contents are said to be abandoned. So, any time someone on the security staff wants to harass and intimidate a guest, or take their stuff, they make "mistakes" with the system that tracks guest comings-and-goings, then "recycle" the contents of their locker. (Yes, they actually use that ridiculous euphemism for theft and disposal.) 4). They HATE HATE HATE HATE people with disabilities & chronic illnesses, and furiously resent government "interference" to accommodate them. This hatred is so fanatical that almost half of the contents of sermons is to cast aspersions on anyone who is ill, with unending insinuations about disease being the wages of sin. Even church giveaways of food & clothing are almost all conducted in ways that entirely exclude the physically disadvantaged. Most staff might just as well wear shirts that say "DIE LOSER DIE!!!!" to sum up their ethic and attitude. Some aren't like that. But it must be a policy of Pastor "lies by omission" Phil to keep the non-psychopaths in the minority. 5). Among other groups regularly hated in their sermons are Lutherans, Catholics, Muslims, Hindus, agnostics, atheists, gays, philosophers, scientists, actors, teachers, and so-forth, in an endlessly expanding profusion which includes the 99.9% of the human race, who are not in conformity with their particular sect of born-again christianity. 6). Guests are allowed 6 hours of sleep at most, and no quiet at any time during the day, 5 hours of which are filled with insanely repetitive "services" shouted at ear-splitting volume through powerful and costly sound-systems. Most cults and absolutist regimes use the same indoctrination techniques, though few do it with such overbearing and explicit hostility to reason. Money talks, or rather screams at 120 decibels, the same thing over and over again, which is to obey and be grateful to people with money--themselves. That is what all the shouting adds up to, a kind of demonically shrill insolence of power, demanding absolute and unquestioning submission to it. "Death to curiosity!" will always be the refrain of fiends. 7). Slowly but surely, the building, its amenities, and policy regarding their use, are being modified to make it more like a prison, as well as generally more unpleasant and dehumanizing. They have seen the future, and it's VERY far Right, as in fascist dictatorship far Right. There is even a suggestion box, to which, according to their own announcements about it, no suggestion to the advantage of guests is welcome. 8). The so-called counsellors are an ignorant bunch, committed to increasing ignorance, and otherwise perverse in their determination to withhold useful information from guests--especially from guests who are too ill to travel to libraries. In aptitude they are the opposite of teacherly, excellent only in being enemies of the human race. read more

I too am currently at Pacific Garden Mission. While the rules take some getting used to, the way that people are treated there are as if we are children all over again. A certain percentage of us are ex-offenders, while others have used street drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes and are trying to kick the habit. However others, like Lucie and me who came to PGM at the same time, are homeless and jobless because of circumstances beyond our control, and we were put into PGM. I do what I can to follow the rules, but I get out as much as I can, lest I become so used to the place that I begin to vegetate there. If I were not so grounded in the word of God and did not believe in Calvinistic teachings, I would fit well into the program there. However, I cannot agree with their doctrine of Calvinism; and even though they have allowed me to lead singing there during their evening church services, I do not agree with their doctrine, but I must endure it until Lucie and I can find a way to leave on our own terms, and that means to find a place that is proactive in finding me a job that doesn't interfere with their curfew, and then find me an apartment to live in. Currently, I cannot work 2nd or 3rd shift security because it would interfere with curfew; and even if they would allow me to work 3rd shift, I cannot sleep in the dorm room because no one sleeps during the day except in the Day Room. Therefore, I cannot abide with the rules and work at the same time. There is already someone who is studying at Le Cordon Bleu and is constantly being badgered by the PGM women's security because she is sometimes forced to come in late. Lucie and some others were told if they came in late for evening services again, they would be forced out on the street. It's time for Lucie and me to look elsewhere, and I have a friend on the outside who is trying to do just that - to find us a proactive shelter who can help me find a job and an apartment to live in. Say what you want about the good that PGM is doing, but they do not help in looking to place you in a job with vocational counselors nor do they help you transition into an apartment to live in. I cannot live with rigid rules, nor can I live with Calvinistic teachings that shortcut God's Plan of Salvation that is in the Synoptic Gospels, in Acts, Galatians 3:26-27. and I Peter 3:21. Thank you PGM for the shelter, clothing, and food, but no thanks to the Calvinistic teachings that you teach. There is more to God's Plan of Salvation than what you are teaching. Please teach the entire truth the way the Synoptic Gospels, Acts, and the apostles Peter and Paul teach it, or don't teach it at all. I wish to add to this review that Lucie and I have moved from Pacific Garden Mission to the Franciscan House of Mary & Joseph. I would suggest this place because they aren't as rigid and tough with their rules, but they do give you the rules to follow. Most of the residents at this shelter are nice, and there are some that you just leave alone because that's the way it is. The food is somewhat better, but you get to sleep earlier and get to sleep a little later, knowing that you have to be out by 7 AM. You don't feel the pressure at the Franciscan House like you do at PGM. Plus you have caring people who work at Franciscan House that want to help, as they have Case Managers to help you find work and find affordable housing - something that PGM will never do for you! If you are looking for a shelter that doesn't make you feel like a prisoner, don't go to PGM. Get out before you are driven to the psychiatric ward and made to take psychiatric medicine that will put you out of your mind. Once that happens, I guarantee you that you will be singing the praises of PGM because you will become one of them, or you will be shown the door and told never to come back. If you leave PGM, do it on your own terms, not their terms. That way, you retain the power to leave, and are not ejected because you stood up for your rights! read more

This is an operational warning to the donors and supporters of Pacific Garden Mission. Before you believe the high-production social media campaigns, look at the reality of how your contributions are actually being managed on the ground. ​1. Marketing vs. Mission: Where is the Money? The Mission spends significant capital on its social media outreach and global "Unshackled!" branding, yet spends almost nothing on the professional development or "exit money" for its residents. While the public sees a polished image of transformation, the reality inside the walls is a prison-like environment defined by staff rudeness, constant surveillance, and enforced religious participation as a condition for basic survival. ​2. Labor Trafficking & Exploitation The Mission's operational model is labor trafficking. Residents are used as unpaid labor to maintain the 150,000-square-foot facility, providing the manual work that keeps the doors open while receiving zero financial compensation or "exit" savings. Furthermore, the Mission harvests the life stories and trauma of the residents to fuel the "Unshackled!" media brand for global profit, while the actual financial rewards are reserved for professional actors. The people who lived the stories never see a dime. ​3. The "Green Palace" Utility Myth The 1458 S. Canal facility is a debt-free asset with 100 solar panels and solar-thermal heat. Despite this, leadership enforces a mandatory five-minute shower limit--for women only. Staff and unpaid volunteers stand outside the stalls to time and shout at the women. Chicago's water rates for 740 residents cost roughly $3,200-$4,300 a month. In a facility with no mortgage and free solar heat, this isn't "conservation"--it is calculated humiliation. ​4. Stagnant Assets: The Greenhouse Failure The facility features two industrial-grade greenhouses that sit stagnant and empty. While the Mission receives high-quality donations from retailers like Whole Foods, these fresh items are frequently diverted to staff tables, leaving residents with processed "leftovers." PGM has the infrastructure for a Farm-to-Table model that could provide nutritional healing and revenue, yet leadership refuses to utilize it. ​5. A Better Alternative: Lawndale Christian Health Center The only shining light in this facility is the health clinic run by Lawndale Christian Health Center (LCHC). LCHC is a separate entity that operates with professional excellence, providing genuine healthcare and dignity to the homeless. If you are looking to support a work that actually helps the vulnerable in Chicago without supporting the unethical practices of PGM, I strongly recommend redirecting your support to Lawndale Christian Health Center. ​6. Leadership Refusal to Reform These issues have been brought directly to Pastor Phil and his leadership team. Their failure to act proves a refusal to address systemic operational rot. I encourage every donor to read the consistent reviews from the people who have actually stayed here--it is a totally different message than the one you see on your social media feed. ​The faith, support, and belief of the donors have been squandered. It is time for an independent audit to account for these labor practices and the disconnect between marketing and reality. ​-- Khesa Virginia Pinkard Writer and Producer of the "Shackled" Podcast read more

Pacific Garden Mission, is just a shelter to move on to better access of availability to jobs, apartments and other resources. Lately, the staff is having a hard time communicating with the access of computer information with the CLIENT working certain time shifts. If the wrong information is given out; the last responsible person should admit to there own faults instead of searching for the next person to confine in. Also, free clothing, free food and free showers is about enough to save for the population across the country; including Chicago, IL. PGM, is not a JAIL inhabit place but, the people seems to be confused with inside of the shelter versus the outside of REAL LIFE LIVING. Its sad, when you see the SAME individual asking for help but, will not receive the assistance from the counselors. Hopefully, seeing this lesson from the opposite view will teach me to be a better LEADER than a follower. I will never recommend a place for a friend, family or stranger to stay but, reach out to better assistance elsewhere. I am not an example of anyone's project but, a motivated to choose my own mind and make CORRECT decisions. Sometimes, the women suffer having cold showers, no food to eat if you have medical documentation, or security gets brutal with words or force to have a certain individual remove from the premises if rules if not follow due to a misunderstanding or interruption. The women break the rules also, by stealing food, clothing, taking showers with out the consent of staff or not having a GREEN card or RED card; which ever is reference; plus an addition to stealing from the lockers which is assigned. read more

(English is not my first language, I apologize.) Please note how the people that have stayed in the shelter give it poor reviews and the people that haven't stayed in the shelter praise it and push for narratives instead of facts. I tried volunteering here on numerous occasions but was disheartened by the abusive language and forceful nature of the staff. I was told to not look at the homeless as people and I was told God was punishing them and that is why there were homeless. The staff constantly laughed about how they escaped punishment for abusing the homeless people there. Their higher staff was speaking rather flippantly about using homeless people and using intimidation, public relations and paid people to benefit themselves and their goals. Among the homeless I learned that this place was call "the cult" or "PGM cult", and I agree with them. They should be investigated but unfortunately they had received large amounts of donations and funds from College and the Government so they will probably never be investigated. Too many over privileged people have too much to lose in regards to identity and social standing to admit they contributed to something that was awful and abusive and they would probably interfere in any investigation. read more

This is for everyone who is looking for shelter. Catholic Charities placed my room mate and I out at PGM just about a month ago. I ran a survey on 80% of the women who stay out at the mission and they are not happy with the way they are being treated. PGM is like a Nazi Concentration Camp and it is no proactive and does not help the homeless to become self supporting, self efficent, or it does not help the people that stay there to find jobs or affordable housing. They make you attend their Baptist chapel services even if you are not one. They will threaten to throw you out if you miss one chapel service. This place is not for everyone. They have a single mother and child program but in truth this is not the place for young mothers with their children to come to. DHS is no longer handling referrals for the homeless and 311 tells you to go to a Police Department or hospital. Catholic Charities is handling all the referrals and placements now. If you are a Christian Catholic please contact Cardinal George, Your Bishop, and the director of Catholic Charities of The Archdiocese of Chicago. What the homeless need is a pro-active program that will help them to obtain gainful employment and affordable housing for them to live in. read more

This is the most disgusting place I have ever seen. It should be illegal for the city to use its money to pay for it for shelter as that is what seems to be happening. A horrid sermon is required and not just that. There was a horrible attitude. Maybe it does some good. I think that people giving it good reviews should have to stay there but maybe they would like it. You have to stand in endless lines of course so they can play games. A similar review is on Yellow Pages. The mixing of religion and city services is not right. It is more like a cult and crazies. Women were sitting there clutching their bibles. The "lady" in charge took my small comb (that might be dangerous), tweezers and threw away my coffee and saved bread which was nasty. They also made a stink about insisting on calling me ma'am which I think is rude and others do, as they have been doing in Chicago not knowing any better. As a matter of fact I was supposed to go see the doctor for no good reason for that. The other lady told me later she was probably kidding but she was not. The ones in charge are nuts. It is terrible to let that kind of thing go on. It is what you would be afraid a shelter would be like. read more

I was on the bible program a couple of times...Its a great curriculum, its just the people who are working there who is the problem....I left because of false accusations by the people who are overnite squatters. The staff who live there are in self bondage because once they make staff, they refuse to move to the next level and end up staying in a private room for years, even decades. They become dependent on pgm instead of The Lord. Its a crawdad syndrome, everyone trying to pull each other down. Its a city full of drama, gossip, back stabbing, and false faces. They look good on saturdays when the visitors come, but all is not what it appears to be. Its shameful to the Lord Jesus what takes place there. I've seen staff people blind side someone with a punch one night and the other staff members covered it up. IN ORDER TO GET ALONG, YOU MUST GO ALONG. THATS NOT LIVING, THATS LIVING AS THE WORLD LIVES, LOST AND NOT TRULY SAVED read more

The staff here is aggressive, disrespectful, rude, overbearing, obnoxious and quick to kick you right back out on the street over some bull shit. This is supposed to be a place of sanctuary, ITS RUN LIKE A BUSINESS YOUR foced to sit through a service just to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. The security team is ridiculous and not consistent. There's one lady who's just a straight bitch with resting bitch face as well most and of the men security team are ok. Majority of the workers are recovering addicts who's attitudes suck and are miserable. The scam is to get you in the program and work you like a slave for housing. The kitchen serves expirered food sometimes (sandwiches) and when they do cook it's worth eating just wish you got a little more. In the dorms they only WASH the blankets ONCE A WEEK which is UNSANITARY. read more

This place treat humans like shit and abuses they're power to dominate and humiliate people in desperate situations. The male guards constantly sexually harass the female guests and request sexual favors in exchange for safety and support and when the women refuse the male guards report them for things that aren't true in hopes of getting them kicked out. All the staff are condescending and derogitory, the guests are forced to eat old expired food and people constantly get food poisoning from eating there. The pastors constantly preach that all homeless people are evil sinners who deserve their pain and aren't saved by God. This place claims to be Christian run, but I have never seen such evil and human cruelty. This place should be burned to the ground with the people that run it inside. #Facts read more

my fiance lives in the shelter and im out side the shelter. they transfered her to a different shelter and when i tired to find out if she was there it seem as if they were lieing to to me,i was told that calling the number for was an emergency which i quote her mother was in a car accident and there reply was she does not like her mom,regardless of what there saying its none of there concern her relationship with her mother, and then they tell me to not call back.......these people were not feeding my daughter right theres people in there making threats and know one will let me speak to some one who runs the place bad review and karma will hurt so bad your not a christian or godly like shelter your a fraud.......and this place should know longer be open...!!!! read more

I decided to check in to PGM from years of 24hr/days on the streets. First, your stripped of your clothes, powdered with lice killer, and showered. Your clothes with everyone else are put in to a super heater to kill bugs, meaning your clothes will stink as bad as everyone else. Long lines and time spent waiting for food (broth and a spoon of vegetables), and moldy bread. Next line to an auditorium waiting again for preaching. You finally get to wooden bunk beds like concentration camps at at least 11pm. About 2am your woke up to attend services again. Your back about 3:30am. Then you are woke up at 5am for services again. NEVER AGAIN! No human should suffer worse than the streets at a horror hellhole like PGM. read more

the pacific garden mission provides jobs for the administration office personel and the pastor staff. they have an old evil man named mccarroll who runs the place like his fiefdom(he is over 75 years old). If you are unfortunant enough to live there in the bible program(that;s a joke)and graduate, they might hire you, starting you off at $3.00 per hour, then charge you rent, $126.00 every 2 weeks, (u do the math), they treat you like dogs or worse, and they run your life like your a child. They have their pet in house people, one was rodney sessoms who was given a lot of authority and he misused it for years. I can go on and on, but this place is a living hell. read more

Absolutely horrible! They strip search the women. You take showers with everyone, and get looked at by everyone. The food is horrible. Mandatory church. Bed bugs. Only bring the clothes on your back, and even those might get stolen. The staff degrade you. The "president" sits and eats lobster and Starbucks, along with his bible school cronies. The pictures you see on their website are staged. You can donate $1.92 to feed someone who stays there, and they spend it all, trust me. You try to make a meal out of $1.92. Dear PGM staff, I am the only former resident who tells it like it is. I pray you go bankrupt, and the lid finally gets blown off your ponzi scheme. read more

Pacific Garden Mission is full of racism and it is over crowded in both the women's section and men's section. There are women sleeping on the floor of the women's dorm because there is not enough beds to accomodate them. The food is lousy and it is well known that they are receiving $25.00 a day for each women that stays there. They ask for the last four digits of your social security number. 85% of it is black, and the other 15 percent is white and hispanic. Most of the staff is black and there is only one token white women staff member. I can't see why Catholic Charities contributes to their overflow. This organization is anything but Christian. read more

A very dangerous place for the less-fortunate to go; you'd be better off sleeping outside. The food is terrible (every piece of bread has mold on it; obviously the staff takes home the "choice" food items donated), the bedbug infestation is horrendous, the staff rips off your money and phone which you're required to hand in for "safe keeping," there are violent offenders who stay here and who threaten those they think they've got the upper hand on, and the place does absolutely nothing to try to help you get back on your feet. Pray you don't get homeless in Chicago! read more

A terrible place full of hypocrisy and money changers. Everything that Jesus preached, they do the opposite of. If Jesus was around right now, he would throw every person working there out. The worst part is you have to sit there and be brainwashed in exchange for something to eat and a place for the night. Why do you have to be forced to sit through it? Why not let it be a choice? Anyways, terrible people with terrible attitudes work there. read more

The staff are nasty and racist towards white people they get in your face get aggressive trying to get u to hit them so they can jump u and then call the police on u to get u arrested the food they give is rotten half the time and they preach racist hate THEY HATE WHITE PEPOLE and will blatantly show it and turn around and say how Christian they are read more

An amazing place where God works in the hearts of men their program is amazing. The transformation and smiles and peoples faces are great and the leaders just treat people very well. An amazing place to work. Also I love this place. Highly recommend it if you are in need of God's love. This is the place to come to. read more