Evanston’s Lake Street Church to Renovate and Reopen Hilda’s Place Homeless Shelter with $6.5 Million in Funding

In a significant development for Evanston, the Lake Street Church is set to renovate and reopen Hilda’s Place, a shelter that has been a cornerstone for the community for over four decades. This project marks a return to providing overnight shelter services, which had been suspended since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The reopening is not just a renovation; it is a beacon of hope for many, reminiscent of the biblical call to “welcome the stranger” as seen in Matthew 25:35.

For Danita, a resident of Evanston who wishes to remain anonymous for safety reasons, the groundbreaking ceremony symbolized much more than a building project. It represented a lifeline that once helped her family bridge the gap between hard work and securing a home. “Our family wasn’t looking for someone to do everything for us. We just needed a little help bridging that final gap between working hard and being able to get into our home,” she shared. This personal story underscores the broader mission of Hilda’s Place, which has provided overnight housing in the basement of Lake Street Church for over 40 years.

The project has garnered significant support, with more than $6.5 million in grant funding earmarked for expansive renovations. These improvements will add 30 shelter beds for all genders, along with essential facilities like showers, laundry, and toilets. Betty Bogg, CEO of Connections for the Homeless, emphasized that homelessness is not a result of personal failure but a consequence of systemic failures. “It is the predictable result of systems that do not work for everyone,” Bogg stated at the groundbreaking ceremony, attended by community members, civic advocates, politicians, and congregants.

During the renovation period, the day center currently operating in the basement will temporarily relocate to the first and second floors of the church. This strategic move ensures that the services remain uninterrupted, reflecting the community’s commitment to supporting its most vulnerable members. The project is a testament to the collaborative spirit of Evanston, with contributions from various stakeholders, including U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, and local civic leaders.

In a move to further symbolize its dedication to the community, Connections for the Homeless plans to rebrand itself as “Housing Connections” next year. This rebranding effort highlights the organization’s ongoing commitment to addressing housing insecurity and supporting those in need. As the project progresses, the community eagerly anticipates the reopening of Hilda’s Place by spring 2027, hopeful that it will continue to serve as a sanctuary for those experiencing homelessness.

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