City's First Rapid-Response Homeless Shelter Opens On West Side

CHICAGO, IL — The Salvation Army has partnered with the City of Chicago to open the city's first rapid-response emergency homeless assessment and response center on the West Side. The Shield of Hope center opened across from the Salvation Army's Freedom Center in the city's West Humboldt Park neighborhood Tuesday. The Salvation Army said the new center will triage and assess families who are homeless and find them more stable living situations within 14 days.

The organization said the center will be able to provide shelter for up to 75 family members. The facility has 20 bedrooms with private bathrooms, a laundry room and a cafeteria.

The shelter will also provide families with counseling, support services and life skills training.

“The Salvation Army is committed to supplying essential services to residents of Chicago who are most at-risk and in need,” said Lt. Colonel Charles Smith, divisional commander with the Salvation Army. “Not only will The Salvation
Army provide a safe and welcoming environment for families to live during emergencies, we will help them restart their lives by giving them the tools and resources to begin again with hope and joy."

The new center is part of Mayor Rahm Emanuel's "Plan 2.0: A Home for Everyone," a seven-year action plan to decrease homelessness and invest in programs helping youth, families, veterans and victims of domestic violence.

Image via Salvation Army