On August 27, the LPCS and friends shared more than ice cream sundaes on the front lawn of Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church. The Shelter officially broke ground on the long-awaited renovations of its 600 W. Fullerton site.

Sporting yellow hard hats, over 80 volunteers and supporters of LPCS were on hand to see the actual renovations plans. Erin Ryan, LPCS Executive Director, and Urban Works architect, Meggan Lux, officially unveiled the renovation drawings, alongside Board President, Bob Burson and Board Member, George Kuhlman. Guests took a final tour of the facilities before construction begins, and learned how the renovated facility will consolidate its operations at LPPC.

A special thank you to Ann Brinkman and Ryan Jones for coordinating a wonderful kick-off celebration.

Left: Guests at the Aug. 27 groundbreaking survey the Campaign's fundraising progress.

Right: The LPCS facility at 600 W. Fullerton went under the sledgehammer October 16.

Sheltering Hope, Building Community:
Renovation will Enhance Current LPCS Programs

The Lincoln Park Community Shelter strives to be a leader in homeless services in the Chicago metropolitan area, helping to develop new approaches to a growing social problem. In 2002, we became involved in the city-wide effort to end homelessness by transforming the current shelter system - one that is reactive and based on short-term, emergency services - into a proactive system where people are re-housed rapidly, and prevention efforts and wrap-around supportive services keep people housed permanently. City officials, advocates, and homeless service providers developed a strategic plan - via the Chicago Continuum of Care - to accomplish this transformation, entitled "Getting Housed, Staying Housed."

The LPCS supports and has been involved in the implementation of the Plan by making the transition from a shelter to an Interim Housing Program. To accomplish the conversion, we embarked on a capital campaign in 2004 to renovate our facilities - entitled "Sheltering Hope, Building Community." After the renovation, we will truly become an Interim Housing Program by operating 24 hours a day, offering safe, more comfortable living facilities for our guests, and adding important staff support.

To accomplish this, we have partnered with one of our current program sites - The Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church - to renovate the lower level of the church for LPCS operations. This church, along with St. Pauls UCC and St. Clement, has provided donated space to the LPCS since our inception over 20 years ago. The renovation of the basement, including replacing all electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems for the entire church, is a $1.4 million project. LPCS' share of the renovation costs will be $1,050,000, and in return we will receive the right to build the basement level to suit its programs, and gain exclusive use of the basement space with a long-term lease of 15 years with an option to renew. The church will contribute the remaining $550,000, and has plans to do some additional work on upstairs spaces.

In addition to the money needed for the physical renovation of space, the LPCS capital campaign includes $200,000 for program enhancements such as additional staff and equipment, and $150,000 to seed an endowment. Nearly three quarters of the total $1.4 Million goal for this campaign has already been raised through individual pledges from our most committed supporters during the silent phase of the campaign. Thank you!

With the recent granting of a special use permit, and building permits in the works, we officially broke ground in late September. During renovation, dinner and overnights for all guests will continue to take place at St. Pauls UCC. LPCS offices and day programming have relocated to a temporary location at 2521 N. Lincoln. By January 2007, construction should be finished and the new facilities will offer vast improvements to the quality of life, safety, and well-being of guests.

Sheltering Hope, Building Community: Changes to Physical Space & Programs

Current Limitations

• Shelter facilities are spread between two facilities one block apart. Guests and staff divide their time between these two sites - going back and forth for case management meetings, showers, educational classes, meals, and overnights.

• Showers and laundry facilities are not available every day. Guests share limited shower, laundry, and restroom facilities.
  

• Guests sleep on thin foam mattresses, on the floor of two church basements, in a large communal space. There is no private sleeping space for women. There is only limited storage space for guests' personal belongings.

• Inadequate infrastructure and inefficient layout do not allow for the best utilization of space. There is an ancient heating system and no cooling system. There is only one meeting space, shared by various classes, groups, committees, and boards. The layout of staff offices is inconvenient and ineffective.

• Due to space and staffing constraints, guests must leave the building by 6:30 am each morning. Offices do not reopen for guests until 2:00 pm on weekdays.

• The inefficiency of operating two program sites causes programs to be offered at limited times.

• Guests conduct job search with one shared phone, one fax machine, and several computers located in a busy, noisy common area.
  

Improvements after renovation

• Shelter programs will be consolidated under one roof, thereby making them more accessible and cohesive. This will provide a stronger sense of stability for guests.

• More shower stalls and laundry machines will be installed; and they will be available every day of the week. Updated restrooms will accommodate all ages and disabilities.

• Guests will sleep in semi-private dorms, on bunk beds with private storage lockers. There will be separate sleeping quarters for men and women, allowing the LPCS to serve more single women (up to 11 at a time), and ensure their comfort and privacy, a critical need.

• A new HVAC system will be installed. There will be classrooms, an enclosed computer area, a multi-purpose room, centralized staff offices, and private case management cubicles. The new, full-service kitchen will include two ovens, a dishwasher, and a large freezer for storing food donations.

• Facilities and additional programming will be accessible and staffed 24 hours a day, seven days week. Guests will be engaged in meaningful activities and programming throughout the day.

• More programs will be offered simultaneously, utilizing additional space, staff and volunteers. Programming will become more efficient, dynamic and responsive to the needs of guests.

• New, enclosed computer lab will feature seven computers and four private telephones for guest use. Photo: PC lab