Old Motel Transformed into Non-Congregate Homeless Shelter to Open in Lincoln Square Next Month

A new transitional shelter is set to open next month on Chicago’s Far North Side, offering a unique approach to addressing homelessness in the area. The Haven on Lincoln, developed by the city and designed by Gensler, is believed to be the first non-congregate shelter of its kind in the city. This innovative project transforms the former Diplomat Motel near Lincoln and Berwyn into a welcoming space for those in need.

Executive Director Andrew Winter of Cornerstone Community Outreach highlighted the significance of this initiative, noting that each individual will have their own full hotel-style room. This contrasts with other shelters where individuals might share rooms with multiple others, emphasizing privacy and dignity. The property features 37 private rooms, with 11 of them being ADA compliant, ensuring accessibility for all.

Cornerstone Community Outreach, which owns and operates the property, is committed to creating spaces that offer not only shelter but also healing. The organization is working on three projects to develop non-congregate shelters, including spaces for families. The Haven on Lincoln is part of a broader effort to provide wrap-around services on-site, addressing both immediate needs and long-term solutions.

Winter stressed the importance of investing in more such spaces citywide, as five programs are launching simultaneously to meet this need. While permanent housing remains the ultimate goal, the executive director acknowledged the necessity of these services in a city where affordable housing is increasingly scarce. This initiative represents a step forward in tackling homelessness, aligning with the biblical call to care for the vulnerable and support our neighbors in their journeys.

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