LPCS Programs Remain Strong
Over the past year, Lincoln Park Community Shelter and its guests felt the impact of the economic recession twofold. First, the demographic profile of guests is changing, as over half have some college education and more than ever have college degrees and even a steady income upon arrival at LPCS. Despite these assets, it is increasingly difficult to maintain housing with the rising cost of food, transportation, and other goods and services, and more people are seeking services at LPCS as a result. Secondly, the slowing job and housing markets are resulting in longer lengths of stay, and therefore less turnover and a longer waiting list. As a result, program outcomes were impacted, as employment rates decreased significantly, and jobs found were more likely to be part-time or seasonal and unable to sustain housing costs.
Despite these external challenges, LPCS programs overall have remained strong and continue to help many people rebuild their lives. Guests are using the lengthened time at LPCS to engage more fully in services, and outcomes for the On Track Program increased in nearly all areas as a result, including housing rates. More than 80% of guests with a history of addiction engaged in treatment and/or recovery support groups; 95% of guests with a mental or chronic physical illness connected to healthcare; 79% of guests looking for work enrolled in employment programs to improve their employability. And, although slower than in years past, these steps are making a difference: 56% of guests in the On Track Program made the transition to permanent housing, with an average length of stay of 191 days, more than a month longer than last year.
Likewise, LPCS’ One on One Program – which provides classes and mentoring in financial management and budgeting – although maintaining a high number of participants, has seen fewer applications for housing grants. Participants are looking for work and affordable housing for increasingly longer periods after completing the program requirements and, often, job training programs. One on One Program participants, like On Track Program graduates, remain successfully housed (82%), thanks to budgeting skills learned within the program. The Graduate Community, too, has seen waves of graduate participation in evening dinners, shopping in the food pantry, requests for rental assistance, and requests for CTA passes to be mailed in order to take advantage of these resources. Fortunately, for many, this assistance has filled the gap in income and 88% of graduates have remained housed after one year.
The continued success of LPCS programs is a direct result of ongoing community support, as volunteerism and individual giving increased this year. In fact, volunteer participation increased nearly 10%, both in the number of volunteers and in the number of hours contributed, with more than 1,500 volunteers giving nearly 14,000 hours of service! With a paid staff of only nine in a 24-hour, 365-day facility, this enormous contribution of time, talent, and energy is invaluable. The support of volunteers contributes to LPCS’ ability to continue being responsive to the changing needs of guests, and celebrating their steps—both large and small—toward regaining self-sufficiency.