Catherine Lynott, Executive Director at The Outreach House | https://www.theoutreachhouse.org/
Catherine Lynott, Executive Director at The Outreach House | https://www.theoutreachhouse.org/
This appropriation represents state-level funding authorized by lawmakers, reflecting what was approved in the budget, not necessarily disbursed. The funds cover only State of Illinois support and exclude federal, local, or other public sources.
Founded in 2003, The Outreach House states that its mission is: “The Outreach House’s reason for being is simple – to provide compassionate and effective assistance to individuals and families in need with dignity and without judgment.”
You can learn more about the organization at its website.
In its most recent IRS Form 990 filing filing for tax year 2024, the organization reported $612,930 in total revenue. Of that, $75,000 came from government grants including federal, state, or local sources, making up 12.2% of total revenue.
The nonprofit listed $609,699 in contributions overall. It also reported $534,699 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.
At the beginning of 2024, The Outreach House had $434,942 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $668,854, indicating a significant 53.8% growth in overall holdings.
However, a Chicago City Wire analysis found that IRS filings frequently contain discrepancies when compared with publicly disclosed government grant reports and budgets.
The Outreach House is one of hundreds of nonprofits across Illinois that receive substantial support from state taxpayers while also fundraising privately.
In 2025, Illinois lawmakers introduced House Bill 1266, also known as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Act. The proposal would create a new oversight body within the Office of the Auditor General tasked with identifying cost-saving measures, reviewing agency performance, and advising on audit priorities. If passed, DOGE could bring additional scrutiny and performance evaluation to taxpayer-funded organizations.
According to ProPublica, Illinois has more than 78,000 active tax-exempt organizations, including nearly 60,000 classified as charitable nonprofits. In their most recent IRS filings, these groups reported a combined revenue exceeding $156 billion.
| Term | Name | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-2024 | Carol Oneill | Treasurer |
| 2024-2024 | Catherine Lynott | Executive Director |
| 2024-2024 | Dean A Albright | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Eric Deaton | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Evelyn Rodriguez | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Hester Bury | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Jasmine Bailey | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Kris Desmedt | Chair |
| 2024-2024 | Ruth C Gottlieb | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Sharon Deprizio | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Shazad Carbaidwala | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Stephen E Flint | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Tami Moberg | Secretary |
| Year | Name | Title | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Margaret Ruth Kirsh | Translator And Summer Intern | - |
| 2010 | Denise Dabisch | Translator | - |
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