CHICAGO - Mayor Brandon Johnson, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Chicago Department of Housing (DOH) broke ground today on The Haven on Lincoln, a novel housing concept that represents an important new addition to the housing continuum within the City of Chicago. Based on a “housing first” approach, this housing concept will work to improve overall health and housing outcomes for residents living with complex conditions by preventing them from cycling through multiple systems of shelter and care.

The Haven will have the capacity for 40 individuals who will live there for at least three to six months while simultaneously receiving intensive on-site healthcare, social services and case management to improve their health and wellness.

"The Haven, a low-barrier housing solution, stands as a model for how local government can support people who face the dual challenge of serious illness and homelessness,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “This motel conversion project further demonstrates how we can breathe new life into existing buildings, creating spaces of dignity and care. As Mayor of Chicago, I am proud of the partnership between the City and all our service providers who have come together to provide another vital option where people can seek the support they deserve."

According to the US Interagency Council on Homelessness, the rise in homelessness across the nation over the last few years is due to inadequate systems around affordable housing, wages, equitable access to physical and mental health care and economic opportunity. Additionally, according to the Illinois Morality and Morbidity Report, “Compared to deaths in the general Illinois population, the average age at the time of death was almost 20 years younger among people experiencing homelessness (PEH vs general population; 56.3 vs 74.2 years old).”

“Housing status is a significant social determinant of health as evidenced by the huge life expectancy gap between those who are housed and unhoused,” said Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Olusimbo ‘Simbo’ Ige. “Providing supportive, stable housing with wrap-around health and social services for residents will go a long way toward improving health outcomes and allowing people to transition to stable independent housing.”

The Haven on Lincoln was inspired by Hotel 166, a hotel-based protective housing intervention operated in Chicago during the COVID-19 pandemic. During its operation, people living at Hotel 166 saw improvements in certain health measures such as blood pressure and glycemic control. More than half of them moved on to longer-term housing after the intervention. Among Hotel 166 residents: 62% reported that their mental health improved or stabilized during their stay; 60% exited to permanent housing or residential treatment; and 28% of people with a mental health condition were newly initiated on psychiatric medications.

"We're excited to collaborate with CDPH on this cutting-edge approach to providing comprehensive, restorative health services," said Chicago Department of Housing Commissioner Lisette Castañeda. "This site was selected to ensure effective adaptive reuse into non-congregate housing designed with a trauma-informed process to best meet residents' needs. Access to housing is an essential factor in determining health status and projects like these are vital to providing all residents the opportunity to achieve the quality of life they deserve.”

Located at 5230 N Lincoln Ave in the 40th Ward, people can establish residency at The Haven on Lincoln after a referral from one of several types of providers, such as local shelters, hospital emergency departments, police, outreach teams or the City’s Crisis Assistance Response and Engagement (CARE) team.

"I'm enormously proud that the 40th Ward will be home to The Haven on Lincoln, Chicago's first stabilization housing project, " said 40th Ward Alderman Andre Vasquez. “The stabilization housing model has a proven track record that we're excited to build upon in our community by providing 40 new housing units and crucial health and support services for people experiencing homelessness. The Haven on Lincoln will also be a centerpiece of the new Lincoln Avenue Streetscape, as we work to redevelop the Lincoln Avenue Arts District into a neighborhood where everyone can thrive."

CDPH has selected VOA Illinois as the City's partner to manage The Haven on Lincoln and fully staff medical, mental health and social service teams to deliver appropriate care to meet residents’ needs. This includes healthcare services, individual and group therapy opportunities, active case management, transportation support, property management and security.

“We are so pleased to be working with the City on this effort, and I thank Mayor Johnson and Alderman Vasquez for their leadership,” said VOA President and CEO Nancy Hughes Moyes. “We know from experience that safe and comfortable housing is key to eliminating stressors to help promote healing. We look forward to welcoming our first residents to The Haven.”

The architecture firm Gensler designed The Haven on Lincoln and construction will be performed by Executive Construction Inc (ECI).

The project will transform a 1960s motel in the Lincoln Square neighborhood, utilizing a trauma-informed design lens with input from medical practitioners to create indoor and outdoor spaces that evoke stability and security. The site’s parking lot will become a communal garden with raised beds for planting lessons, flexible furniture and shaded pergolas, harnessing the healing power of nature. As The Haven strives to improve residents' overall health and housing outcomes, the renovation will exemplify the future of resilient design. The all-electric powered housing facility will feature a unique solar-power-charged battery system, enabling its core functions to operate independently for up to a week.

The Haven on Lincoln redevelopment budget is $13 million, which includes property acquisition, redesign, rehab and full building electrification. Funds come from Chicago Recovery Plan municipal bonds along with TIF funds. The Haven on Lincoln is expected to open in Summer 2025.

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