Planting Seeds of Stability: A Conversation with The Chicago Community Trust

Last fall, The Chicago Community Trust awarded us a Sustainable Solutions for Housing Stability grant. This flexible funding has given us the resources to build a strong foundation for staffing, programming, and relationship-building with partners.

Read our interview below with Joanne Otte, a program manager at the Trust. With nearly two decades of years of experience spanning volunteer engagement, program development, and nonprofit partnerships, Joanne now helps design funding strategies, strengthen grant partner relationships, and advance more equitable housing solutions across the Chicago region.

How did the Trust first learn about this shelter project, and why did it feel like the right fit for funding?

We’ve worked with NSHSS in the past, and throughout the shelter development process, they kept us in the loop with consistent updates. So by the time the Sustainable Solutions for Housing Stability grant opportunity opened up, they were already making real progress. It just made sense—they were ready, and the project clearly aligned with our goals.

At the Trust, our mission is to narrow the racial and ethnic wealth gap in the Chicago region and invest in scalable solutions to create lasting change, and housing is a huge piece of that. Homelessness has been rising—especially among Black Chicagoans—and this shelter helps meet that urgent need. It also represents a shift in approach. As one of the first non-congregate shelters in the city, it took serious commitment to bring to life. Our grant offered flexible, upfront support that other funding sources often can’t, and we were especially impressed by how NSHSS built community buy-in and worked closely with local leaders. They weren’t just opening a shelter—they were creating a model for others to follow.

When you visited the shelter, what stood out to you most—and how did it challenge common perceptions of what a shelter is?

It’s a beautiful space. I visited during construction—we had hard hats on and were walking through framing and drywall. Even then, you could feel the vision they had for it. Later, just before the grand opening, I got to see the finished product. We brought a group from the Trust, and the reaction was: “Wait, this is a shelter?” It completely redefines what a shelter can look and feel like.

Every element was thoughtfully designed, from the natural lights, curved edges, warm colors, and the floor plan. I can see how it can and will foster dignity and healing. It’s a place that says, "We care about you, and you deserve comfort and safety. You deserve a home."

What are your hopes for the residents, staff, and the broader Chicago community?

For the residents, I hope this is a place where they can finally feel safe, and leave survival mode behind. I hope it’s somewhere they can get a good night’s sleep, have a meal, take a shower, and start thinking about what’s next. When you’re in a space that feels calm and beautiful, it reminds you that you’re worthy of care and stability. And that’s what I want for the residents.

For the staff, I hope the shelter’s design supports them in doing their work well and feeling fulfilled. The entire setup, from the front desk layout to the community space to the individual rooms, was built to make the space a better place to work together and help people heal from the trauma of homelessness. It also allows staff to have more meaningful, one-on-one connections with residents.

And for the city, I hope this shelter sets a new standard. It’s not only that this is non-congregate, but the process of how this came together is just as important. NSHSS worked closely with the community and their alderwoman to make it happen, and that kind of collaboration is something to be emulated.

How do you hope this shelter influences future efforts to address homelessness? 

The pandemic highlighted the public health risks of congregate shelters, but the truth is that non-congregate models are better overall. They’re safer, more dignified, and more aligned with trauma-informed care. This shelter is one of the first of its kind in Chicago, and I hope it normalizes non-congregate spaces as the standard. I am excited to see how NSHSS has been open to sharing their process with others. They’re paving the way for future shelters, and I hope their work helps the city streamline approvals and build more spaces like this.

Why should others consider supporting North Side Housing and Supportive Services? 

NSHSS has been doing this work for a long time. They have strong leadership and experienced staff who truly understand the complexities of homelessness. I think it’s also important to recognize that single men often don’t receive the same level of public sympathy. We need housing solutions for everyone—but we also need to acknowledge that single men make up a significant portion of Chicago’s unhoused population.

NSHSS meets people where they are and fills a critical gap in the system. If we care about ending homelessness, we have to support organizations doing the work for everyone, regardless of circumstance. NSHSS is showing what that can look like—with compassion, dignity, and real outcomes.

We are incredibly grateful for the Chicago Community Trust’s ongoing support of our Rogers Park Homeless Shelter. Want to get involved too? We’re currently in the middle of our Monthly Donor Drive, working to secure $1,000 in new monthly donations.

Monthly donors provide the steady, reliable support that helps our clients heal, secure stable housing, and build long-term success. Even a small monthly gift grows into big life changes for people experiencing homelessness.

Support our mission by becoming a monthly donor today!