Lincoln Park Community Shelter

History: The Lincoln Park Community Shelter (LPCS) is a not-for-profit Illinois corporation, founded in 1984 by members of four neighborhood churches: Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church, St. Clement Catholic Church, Church of Our Saviour Episcopalian, and St. Paul’s United Church of Christ. Still supported by these congregations and countless others, the LPCS provides a safe place to eat and sleep, and a targeted array of social services to help guests become self-sufficient. Since its inception, the LPCS has remained community-based, volunteer-driven, and privately-funded. The LPCS is also a participant in the citywide effort to transform the homeless service system, through the “Getting Housed, Staying Housed” 10-year strategic plan to end homelessness. In June 2007, the LPCS opened its newly renovated Interim Housing Community, in line with this plan.

Programs and Services:
·Interim Housing
·Daily Meals
·Intensive Case Management
·Recovery Meetings
·Clothing, Showers & Laundry
·Transportation Assistance
·Obtainment of Identification
·Telephone & Fax Usage
·Voice Mail, Computer Lab
·Mental Health Treatment,
·Alcohol & Drug Treatment
·Daily educational and support groups
·Referrals to Housing
·Referrals for Job Training

On Track Program: The On Track Program is the core of LPCS’ approach to homelessness that allows clients to look beyond their immediate survival needs and begin to make plans for the future. After an assessment, guests enter into a structured “track” to address their individual needs. The tracks are as follows: Track 1: Addictions Recovery, Track 2: Mental & Physical Health and Track 3: Employment & Education. Track 1 requirements include attendance at Twelve Step meetings or other self-help groups. Track 2 requirements include mental health evaluations, medical evaluations, and counseling. Track 3 requirements include actively seeking employment or attendance at a job-training program.

1. The LPCS, its guests, and stakeholders comprise a community of common interest - each group supports and is accountable to the other.

2. Guests and staff work in partnership, developing individually tailored programs that enable guests to achieve their goals.

3. LPCS, its guests, and its supporters work with local residents, community organizations, and faith communities to ensure mutual respect & cooperation.