City leaders and a group of young adults gathered to break ground on a new youth shelter in Humboldt Park, marking the beginning of construction on the former North Hotel apartments. The shelter, managed and owned by La Casa Norte, will provide a safe space for young people experiencing homelessness, offering private rooms, communal laundry, and access to comprehensive case management and housing resources.

A Safe Haven for Young People

Rosalind Wharry, a 22-year-old resident of the shelter, shared her experience, saying, “La Casa Norte was able to provide me shelter here at the North Hotel until I can secure housing of my own. This is a place where I have my own room, I feel safe and comfortable, and I trust the staff and can easily communicate my needs and concerns.” The shelter will have 40 rooms for youths ages 18-24, each with their own bathroom and mini kitchen area.

The approximately $6 million project received city approval in summer 2024 and is being funded through a mix of city and private funds. The city gave $4.09 million through the Chicago Neighborhood Recovery Program, with $2 million coming from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and $500,000 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

A Community Effort

Ald. Jessie Fuentes (26th) emphasized the importance of the shelter, saying, “This building is going to be the difference between young people being able to think about their career and setting forth the goals that are necessary to achieve them, and just trying to find a meal.” Mayor Brandon Johnson addressed the shelter residents, saying, “To every young person that is here today, you deserve to feel safe. You deserve to be able to plan for your future. You deserve to be able to build a life in the city of Chicago that’s rooted in stability and opportunity.”

Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.