CHICAGO – The Chicago Department of Housing (DOH), in partnership with the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS), is pleased to have been selected to receive $4 million in grant funds to support the Non-Congregate Shelter Acquisition program.    

 

The grants, administered through the State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Community Development, will provide $2 million each to two program grantee finalists: La Casa Norte and Unity Parenting and Counseling, Inc.   

 

“This investment in non-congregate shelters will give individuals the stability and care they need to transition to permanent housing,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “By working alongside community partners like La Casa Norte and Unity Parenting and Counseling, Inc., we are building a future where every Chicagoan has a safe place to call home. I am grateful for the collaboration of the State of Illinois and our local partners in advancing these critical efforts.” 

 

La Casa Norte serves youth ages 18–24 experiencing homelessness – their new acquisition will provide non-congregate shelter in the Humboldt Park community area. Grant funds will be used for the rehabilitation of the building’s first floor to establish improved community spaces and supportive services.  

 

Unity Parenting and Counseling, Inc. serves youth ages 18–24 experiencing homelessness – their new shelter facility is located in the Washington Heights community area. Funds will be used for the acquisition and rehabilitation of the property to establish the non-congregate shelter, community and services facilities and an outdoor courtyard.  

 

DOH is working with five organizations through its Non-Congregate Shelter Acquisition program. This program is aimed at supporting the transition of the City’s current shelter infrastructure toward a more non-congregate model overall to advance the City’s goals of improving shelter services and supporting more residents to transition effectively to permanent housing.   

 

Investments in the non-congregate shelter model are based on research conducted by University of Chicago Medicine and Lawndale Christian Health Center at hotels used as non-congregate shelters during the pandemic. Through a non-congregate shelter model with on-site services, the study found a significant improvement in various health measures and self-reported mental health symptoms among participants, along with an increased rate of transition to permanent housing.

 

“We are extremely appreciative of the State of Illinois’s support for the Non-Congregate Shelter Acquisition program,” Chicago Department of Housing Commissioner Lissette Castañeda said. “DOH is excited to partner with DFSS, La Casa Norte, and Unity Parenting and Counseling, Inc. in bringing these essential, evidence-based services to the community.”  

 

The City’s annual Point-in-Time Count of people experiencing homelessness estimated 18,836 people experiencing homelessness in shelters or unsheltered locations on January 25, 2024. 

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