Our Shelter is Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness for Men, One Bed at a Time
In December 2024, we opened our trauma-informed shelter in Rogers Park, filling a critical gap in resources for single men experiencing homelessness. With space for 70 men each night, our shelter is more than just a place to sleep—it’s a place to heal, access supportive services, and lay the groundwork to transition into stable housing.
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Photos of Our New Shelter: all images are copyrighted, courtesy of our incredible partners at Gensler Chicago. We are deeply grateful for their support in bringing this project to life.
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The Problem: A Huge Gap in Beds for Men in Chicago
In Chicago, nearly 70% of people experiencing homelessness are men, yet they have access to less than 25% of the city’s shelter beds. With limited options, many are left without a safe place to stay, facing extreme weather, violence, and prolonged instability. Traditional congregate shelters often fail to meet their needs, making the path to stable housing even more challenging.
The Solution: A Launchpad for Healing, Stability, and a Future Beyond Homelessness
Our shelter offers a secure and dignified alternative to traditional shelters with 35 private rooms, each housing two men. Every aspect of the shelter was designed with the intention of helping residents heal from the trauma of living outside and in the parks, reducing the amount of time in the shelter, and transitioning into long-term, stable housing.
Residents receive three daily meals, access to shared spaces that foster community, and free laundry services to create a sense of stability. On-site case managers provide housing navigation, job training, and mental health support, ensuring men have the resources they need to transition into permanent housing.
Our Impact: A Launchpad for Healing, Stability, and a Future Beyond Homelessness
We are already making a lasting impact—helping men transition from the streets to stability. Within the first month, we successfully moved residents into permanent housing, proving that with the right model, the cycle of homelessness can be broken for good.
With an expected 250 men moving from our shelter into long-term homes each year, we are setting a new standard for what shelter can and should be. Our trauma-informed, non-congregate model prioritizes dignity, stability, and individualized support, paving the way for more effective solutions across the city.
The impact of this work extends far beyond our doors. At least four other shelters are using our model to shape their approach, demonstrating how Chicago can better serve people experiencing homelessness. By laying the groundwork for these future shelters, we are not only helping the men in our care—we are influencing the future of homelessness response in our city.
Help Us Break the Cycle of Homelessness for Men
Homelessness doesn’t end with just a bed—it takes a community. Whether you give your time, make a one-time gift, or become a monthly donor, your support ensures that men in our shelter have the resources they need to heal, rebuild, and secure permanent housing. Every act of generosity—big or small—helps break the cycle of homelessness for good. Join us by taking action today. Together, we can create lasting change.
