A new homeless shelter for single adults is coming to the Far Northwest Side of Chicago, thanks to $13 million in state funds secured by Rep. Lindsey LaPointe and Ald. Ruth Cruz.
The shelter will be non-congregate, with 40-70 beds, and will give priority to people 60 and older. It will provide around-the-clock support services to residents and outreach workers will help connect them with medical care and affordable housing options.
Addressing Homelessness in the Community
LaPointe said the current shelter placement system is ‘broken’ and that the new shelter could help reduce wait times and ensure that Northwest Siders don’t have to leave their home communities.
The shelter will be the first in the city that specifically caters to older adults, who are at high risk of death if they are forced to live outside during extreme weather.
Federal data found that older people are the fastest growing age group experiencing homelessness, making up about 20 percent of the country’s homeless population in 2024.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
