As winter temperatures plunge in Chicago, Lincoln Park Community Services is urgently seeking donations to support its efforts in aiding the homeless. The organization has witnessed a dramatic increase in demand for their services, as many individuals face the harsh reality of homelessness during the cold months.
On a recent Wednesday, the shelter’s drop-in program welcomed individuals seeking refuge from the frigid conditions, with temperatures barely reaching the high 20s Fahrenheit. Operating from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. daily, the program provides hot meals, companionship, and a safe space away from the cold. Cheryl Hamilton-Hill, CEO of Lincoln Park Community Services, noted, “During the winter months, we see a spike in the number of people who are coming to us for support and care.”
The organization has experienced a staggering increase in need over the past few years. In 2019, only 409 individuals utilized the drop-in program for meals throughout the year. By 2022, that number surged to more than 6,000 visits. In addition to meals, Lincoln Park Community Services offers clothing, shoes, access to showers and laundry facilities, and various sleeping arrangements. These accommodations may last from one night to up to 120 days, depending on the individual’s progress with their case plan, which includes job seeking and housing assistance.
The organization also operates a year-round street outreach program, deploying teams to areas frequented by those experiencing homelessness. Last year, Lincoln Park Community Services provided support to approximately 8,000 people through both drop-in and outreach programs. Hamilton-Hill highlighted a concerning trend: “We’re seeing quite a bit more seniors than we have ever seen before; numbers of individuals who are over 60, all the way into their 80s.”
Despite the pressing need for these services, funding is becoming increasingly scarce. The drop-in and street outreach programs are set to conclude on December 31, 2023, due to a lack of financial support from the city budget and reductions in federal funding. Hamilton-Hill emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We are trying to do everything that we can to make up the funding. So, if individuals from the community want to help, we need you.”
To sustain their operations, Lincoln Park Community Services requires $400,000. Those interested in supporting the organization can donate through their website. As the temperatures drop and the number of individuals in need continues to rise, community support is critical to ensuring that Lincoln Park Community Services can continue its vital work.
