In 1985, the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless estimated that 25,000 people would be homeless in Chicago. A group of concerned neighbors in the Lincoln Park area of Chicago got together to discuss a way to help homeless people in their community. 

To establish the Lincoln Park Community Shelter, a partnership was formed with four neighboring churches: the Church of Our Saviour Episcopal Church, Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church, St. Clement Catholic Church, and St. Pauls United Church of Christ. On February 12, 1985, the Lincoln Park Community Shelter opened its doors to a handful of homeless neighbors. The LPCS is not religiously affiliated, and is completely privately funded. Operating on a modest budget, we rely largely on the support of volunteers. Truly a community-based organization, the LPCS has always been operated by an annual pool of more than 1,500 volunteers who serve as meal providers and overnight supervisors.

Since its inception, the LPCS has grown in many ways. The churches provide not only sleeping facilities, but kitchen facilities, showers, storage rooms, laundry areas, and offices. In October, 1996 a comprehensive social service program (On Track Program) was added to address barriers to housing and to work with individuals to overcome these obstacles.

In 1999, the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless estimated that 80,000 people would be homeless in Chicago in the course of one year, a 300% increase from 1985. In May, 1999 the LPCS made the transition from a seasonal shelter (operating only during the months of October-May) to a year-round facility, offering continuous support throughout the entire year! However, capacity in the Transitional Housing Program was reduced from 40 to 20 during the summer months.

In the summer of 2004, the LPCS remained at a capacity of 40 guests throughout the summer months for the first time. This expansion of the Transitional Housing Program allowed the LPCS to offer over 3,000 additional nights of shelter to guests.

The Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce selected the LPCS as recipient of the 2004 Community Contributor to Lincoln Park Award. The LPCS was honored at an awards luncheon on May 6, 2004, where it also received a Proclamation acknowledging the LPCS from Mayor Richard M. Daley.

The award is given annually to an organization which has made a significant contribution to benefit local residents, businesses, and community at large through the commitment of time and financial resources. Nominees can be businesses, non-profit organizations, or cultural institutions. Past recipients include DePaul University, Lincoln Park Zoo, and the Chicago Historical Society. Fellow nominees for the 2004 award included Children's Memorial Hospital and the Chicago Anti-Hunger Federation.

On February 12, 2005, the Lincoln Park Community Shelter celebrated its 20th year of service to the homeless. The LPCS continues to rely on the support of volunteers and supporters throughout the community. Much appreciation goes to the founding churches, community residents and businesses for continuing to support the LPCS.

In 2004, the LPCS began a capital campaign to renovate one of its program sites, the basement of the Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church. To read more about the campaign and renovation, click here. Construction began in October 2006, and the newly renovated facility opened in June 2007, offering 24-hour services for the first time.