Computer Lab

Conference Room & Classroom

Dining Room

Robert Wiley Lavender Kitchen

Sleeping Accommodations

Restrooms

JUNE 30 2007 MARKS GRAND OPENING OF LINCOLN PARK COMMUNITY SHELTER'S NEWLY RENOVATED FACILITY
$1.4 Million Renovation Project Provides 24-hour Shelter, Food and Support Services
for People Experiencing Homelessness

Chicago, IL, June 25, 2007 - Lincoln Park Community Shelter (LPCS), a Chicago non-profit agency with 22 years of success in empowering homeless men and women to make life changes, today announced the June 30 Homecoming of Hope reception and public open house of its newly renovated facility located at 600 West Fullerton.

The celebration marks the end of a major construction project and a new beginning for LPCS guests, staff and volunteers. Festivities will begin with a press conference and ribbon cutting at 11 a.m., including remarks from Alderman Vi Daley. Self-guided tours will be available from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Guests are also welcome to participate in an ecumenical house blessing at noon, officiated by clergy from the four founding congregations - Church of Our Saviour Episcopalian, Lincoln Park Presbyterian, St. Clement Catholic Church, and St. Pauls United Church of Christ.

The reconstruction of LPCS was a project that stemmed from Chicago's commitment to end homelessness by implementing a proactive system where people are re-housed rapidly, and prevention efforts and support services keep people housed permanently. To do its part, LPCS partnered with one of its program sites - Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church - to renovate the lower level of the church for LPCS operations and enhanced programming.

Most of the support for this project has come from within the Lincoln Park community, through individual donors, churches, and other private sources. The project has also received tremendous in-kind support through the donation of building materials, furniture, and appliances. Intended to improve the quality of life, safety and well-being of its 35 guests, the facility includes separate sleeping quarters for men and women with bunk beds and storage for each guest, a newly equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, new shower and restroom facilities, classrooms and meeting space, more offices for case management, and an internet-connected computer lab. Facilities and additional programming will be available and staffed 24-hours a day, seven days a week for LPCS guests.

"Each individual we serve who can go on to establish a real home, secure a job and have better developed life skills is a huge win for both that person and our community as a whole," said LPCS Executive Director Erin Ryan. "We are excited to now offer our services in a more comfortable, nurturing and productive environment that we believe will further our mission and each guest's ability to establish a productive and healthy future."