New Rogers Park Shelter Offers Safe Haven for Single Unhoused Men
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Marks Beginning of New Era in Homeless Services
Chicago leaders held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday for a new shelter dedicated to serving single men experiencing homelessness in the city.
Nearly $7 Million City Grant Funds New Facility
The Rogers Park project follows a nearly $7 million city grant. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and other top city officials hope the Rogers Park shelter will be a model for at least four other shelters that should reopen over the next 18 months.
Northside Housing and Supportive Services: A Nonprofit with a Long History of Service
Former alderman and University of Illinois professor Emeritus Dick Simpson says the nonprofit Northside Housing and Supportive Services, which has served Chicago’s North Side community since 1983, gives its clients the stability they need to get well.
“This is not a one-off, stay the night and we throw you out and your homeless again,” Simpson said.
A Real Shelter for Those in Need
Alderwoman Maria Hadden (49th Ward) called the new facility a “real shelter” for those in need.
“Their own space with resources and wraparound services,” Hadden said. “We help them get Social Security. We help them get unemployment. We help them find jobs.”
Services and Amenities
Located at 7464 North Clark Street, the shelter is a home base for people, serving more than 200 meals daily. Once visitors gain stability, North Side Housing says it has 154 apartments available to help struggling individuals get on their feet.
“This space directly answers the need with 70 non-congregate shelter beds, along with 24/7 wraparound services,” Johnson said.
A Critical Need for Men’s Services
In Chicago, nearly 70% of individuals experiencing homelessness are men, according to North Side Housing and Supportive Services.
Conclusion
The new Rogers Park shelter offers a safe and supportive environment for single men experiencing homelessness, providing them with the resources and services they need to get back on their feet. With its 70 non-congregate shelter beds and 24/7 wraparound services, this shelter is a model for other cities to follow.
FAQs
* What is the name of the nonprofit organization operating the new shelter?
Northside Housing and Supportive Services
* How much did the city grant for the construction of the new shelter?
Nearly $7 million
* How many meals are served daily at the shelter?
More than 200
* What is the capacity of the shelter’s non-congregate shelter beds?
70
* What is the goal of the shelter’s wraparound services?
To help clients get Social Security, unemployment, and find jobs
