For over 30 years, one organization in Chicago has been bringing together a community to support the needs of its homeless neighbors.  The Lincoln Park Community Shelter (LPCS) provides interim and permanent housing, case management, job training, a financial literacy program, and services to help adult men and women experiencing homelessness.  What started in 1985 as parishioners providing meals and emergency shelter in the basements of a few local churches, has evolved into the LPCS – a leading social service agency that is contributing to the end of homelessness with a proven track record for helping people achieve self-sufficiency.

Over the past five years, on average, nearly 70% of LPCS Guests have moved into permanent housing.  The LPCS provides important services and a supportive environment that truly brings together a community of staff, volunteers, and donors to help each Guest achieve permanent and sustainable housing.  Every time someone moves into permanent housing and becomes a Graduate, it is cause for celebration, as are the daily achievements and goals that are met through each Guest’s perseverance and determination.

Learn more about the programs and people behind the Lincoln Park Community Shelter from Abby Farnham, Director of Development.

How does the Lincoln Park Community Shelter (LPCS) help homeless men and women in Chicago?  LPCS provides comprehensive social services to adult men and women who are experiencing homelessness. We provide a highly individualized, client-driven approach and serve 300-400 individuals each year. All of the LPCS endeavors are guided by the values of accountability, self-determination and community engagement. The five programs of the LPCS work to address the challenges of homelessness at every point in the housing continuum.

Tell us more about the community that supports LPCS.  We believe that every person in our community has a stake in and can contribute to ending homelessness. LPCS has thousands of people that make up our community through making financial and in-kind donations, attending events, and serving as volunteers.

What is your biggest fundraising challenge?  One of our biggest fundraising challenges is finding ways to show donors how their money is being used and the impact each and every dollar from their contributions has at LPCS.

What are your hopes for the future of LPCS?  LPCS is hoping to grow into a more visible and reliable resource for the City of Chicago in addressing and alleviating homelessness. LPCS has a unique and successful interim housing model and we would like the opportunity to share this model with others as they work to create or transform their interim housing programs.

How can people help the Lincoln Park Community Shelter’s efforts with ending homelessness?  There are so many ways that folks can get involved at LPCS through volunteering! Each year we have over 1,400 volunteers that provide service 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Opportunities include preparing or sponsoring meals, staying overnight, teaching classes, serving as a computer tutor, providing job or peer coaching, working at the front desk, and more! Visit www.lpcsonline.org/get-involved to read more about the different ways to get involved at LPCS.

What can you tell someone who is thinking about donating to the Lincoln Park Community Shelter?  Know that 100% of your donation is going towards programs and services aimed at improving the lives of homeless men and women.

You can become part of the solution to ending homelessness in Chicago by supporting the Lincoln Park Community Shelter. To learn more, visit the LPCS website.