July 2025 2nd Mile Giving Partner

In our All Saints’ Second Mile Giving program, we are featuring San Francisco

Night Ministry as our ministry partner for the month of July. For over 60 years now, this ministry has been providing counseling and crisis care at night through night ministers on the streets and trained care line directors on the phone. It's no wonder, the ministry has deservedly earned the nickname “The Church’s Night Shift”.

The history of this program goes back to 1964, when "Night Ministry" (an extension of Christian ministry offered by the San Francisco Council of Churches) did the extraordinary: Started providing the first street night walks on the streets.

In 1989, this organization formally incorporated as a California nonprofit as

Night Ministry, Inc., and began doing business as the “San Francisco Night Ministry”

(SFNM). Today, SFNM is growing further into its status as a religious nonprofit

increasing access to spiritual care and community when access is otherwise difficult: at

night, on the streets, on the phones, and to the most marginalized residents of San

Francisco. SFNM is a non-denominational, multifaith, not-for-profit organization.

On July 13th, Ben DeShazo-Couchot, our recently ordained choir director, will be our guest lay preacher, and then speak at a forum after worship. Ben is also the Director of Care Lines for SF Night Ministry where he trains and offers guidance for Care Line volunteers.

At the forum, Ben will give a video presentation, offering information and

knowledge about this wonderful and significant ministry. An opportunity will also be

offered for friends and members of All Saints to participate in a “community walk” in San

Francisco at night, accompanied by a Night Minister, with a date and time to be

determined.