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A New Approach to Housing the Homeless in Rogers Park

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​Our new shelter offering warmth and hope has opened at 7464 N Clark, providing immediate relief for 70 men this winter and serving an estimated 250 individuals each year. With nearly 68% of people experiencing homelessness being men and only 22% of the city’s shelter beds available to them, this facility addresses a critical gap in Chicago. It aims to help men heal from the trauma of homelessness and transition into stable, long-term housing. Below are excerpts from a press release we shared after our Ribbon Cutting event in December:

 

After witnessing the impact of COVID-19 on the shelter system and the growing need for more non-congregate shelters in Chicago, Duncan Ward, NSHSS Executive Director, began searching in 2022 for a building to create a new model of temporary shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness. At the ribbon cutting, Ward shared, “For two years, NSHSS worked closely with architects from Gensler, Valenti Builders, engineers, City of Chicago staff, and 49th Ward Alderwoman Maria Hadden to develop this innovative homeless shelter—the first of its kind in Chicago.”

 

Alderwoman Hadden hosted a series of public meetings and feedback sessions, noting, “The Rogers Park community overwhelmingly supports this new shelter, with over 70% expressing support throughout the engagement process. This strong community backing highlights both the need to address homelessness in our city and the willingness of North Siders to play an active role in meeting this challenge. I applaud the Department of Housing, the Department of Family and Supportive Services, and North Side Housing for their collaboration in bringing this shelter to life. It will offer a unique and transformative way to house men in need and will serve as a blueprint for new shelters across the city.”

The shelter is housed in a former medical building that had been sitting vacant for years. The one-story, 10,000-square-foot facility is situated between the Metra railroad embankment and Clark Street, just south of Birchwood Avenue. We purchased and completely remodeled the building with the support of a $6.9 million grant from the City of Chicago Department of Housing. The interior has been entirely revamped, featuring brand-new walls, floors, a commercial kitchen, a laundry room, a spacious shower and bathroom area, and a dedicated medical exam room. The shelter was furnished with in-kind donations from companies like Kohler, Ikea, and Steinhafels, as well as financial support from foundations and individuals.

Architect Sean McGuire from Gensler, the firm behind the shelter’s design, highlighted its trauma-informed approach: “Moving beyond traditional shelters, we designed spaces where warm natural materials and gentle indirect light create moments of healing and dignity. Each room feels intentionally residential, evoking the authentic comforts of home." Unlike traditional shelters with cots in shared spaces, the facility offers 35 double occupancy rooms with individual beds and access to natural light through windows or skylights. Additionally, a spacious communal area serves as the heart of the shelter, encouraging social connection and comfort.  Ward added, “Many homeless individuals have experienced trauma and bouts of severe hardship in their lives. The trauma-informed design, combined with case management, meals, and health care services, provides the stability and support residents need to transition to permanent housing and achieve long-term self-sufficiency.”

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The shelter will operate 24/7 year-round, offering three daily meals, free laundry facilities, and an on-site medical exam room. Two dedicated case managers will work closely with residents to address the root causes of their homelessness, connecting them to medical and mental health services, job training, and financial literacy programs. They will also assist with housing applications and other paperwork to help residents secure permanent housing.

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