Revival of Hilda’s Place Shelter: A Commitment to Community and Housing

The groundbreaking ceremony at Lake Street Church in Evanston signified a major step forward for the Hilda’s Place shelter, offering more than renovation and reopening. It represented a return to a place of refuge for individuals like Danita, who first sought assistance there 37 years ago. Danita, who prefers not to share her last name for security, expressed gratitude for the shelter, stating it was not about receiving constant help, but rather bridging the gap to housing security through local organizations.

Over its more than four-decade history, Hilda’s Place has been a cornerstone of emergency shelter in Illinois, operating out of the basement of Lake Street Church. Key figures such as Christine Haley, Rev. Michael Woolf, Betty Bogg, Rep. Jan Schakowsky, Mayor Daniel Biss, Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita, and Alderman Jonathan Nieuwsma joined hands on August 12, 2026, to usher in a new chapter for the shelter.

The COVID-19 pandemic transformed Hilda’s Place into a daytime service center. However, recent grant funding exceeding $6.5 million will restore its overnight services by spring 2027. The renovation will incorporate 30 beds catering to all genders and facilities such as showers, toilets, and laundry. During construction, Connections’ day center operations will relocate within the church premises.

Betty Bogg, CEO of Connections for the Homeless, addressed nearly 100 attendees, emphasizing that homelessness results from systemic failures, not personal shortcomings. The non-profit plans to adopt the name “Housing Connections” next year, reflecting its unwavering dedication to community support.

The project funding aggregates contributions from a $2 million federal grant, complemented by assistance from the City of Evanston, an anonymous donor, and various private sponsors.

Speeches by Schakowsky, Biss, Morita, and Rev. Woolf acknowledged the importance of ongoing efforts by Connections and similar faith-based initiatives. The YIGBY movement aims to harness vacant church land for affordable housing solutions. Despite the cumbersome process involving zoning and municipal approval, advocates are pushing for legislative changes to expedite church-related housing projects.

Rev. Michael Woolf highlighted the challenges posed by designations and zoning regulations, noting the difficulty they present to faith-based organizations striving to fulfill their mission. He urged further action at all governmental levels to facilitate these partnerships.

Dan Cox, Board Chair of Connections for the Homeless, emphasized the communal responsibility towards homelessness and noted Lake Street Church’s longstanding practice of the YIGBY principles. Christine Haley expressed optimism that reforms targeting legislative hurdles and financial enhancements for housing projects will gain momentum in upcoming legislative sessions.