Danita attended the groundbreaking ceremony at Lake Street Church in Evanston, not only as an observer of a renovation and reopening project but as someone whose life had been touched by Hilda’s Place shelter. This place provided her with shelter 37 years ago during a difficult time when she was facing homelessness.
Danita explained her situation, mentioning that her family needed some assistance to move into their own home. Connections for the Homeless offered rental assistance, while Interfaith Action of Evanston helped with practical needs. She emphasized their commitment to working hard and bridging the gap to secure housing.
Hilda’s Place has provided overnight accommodations in the basement of Lake Street Church for over 40 years, making it one of Illinois’ longest-running emergency shelters. Several prominent figures attended the groundbreaking on August 12, 2026, including Christine Haley, Rev. Michael Woolf, Dan Cox, Betty Bogg, U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, Josina Morita, and Ald. Jonathan Nieuwsma.
Betty Bogg, CEO of Connections for the Homeless, stated, “Homelessness is not the result of personal failure. It is the predictable result of systems that do not work for everyone.” Her words resonated with the nearly 100 attendees.
Renovations, fueled by more than $6.5 million in grants, aim to restore overnight shelter services by spring 2027, adding 30 beds for all genders, showers, and other facilities. During construction, Connections’ day center will relocate to the church’s upper floors.
Bogg announced plans to rebrand Connections for the Homeless next year as “Housing Connections,” highlighting the organization’s dedication to the Evanston community. Funding came from various sources, including a $2 million federal grant secured by Jan Schakowsky, City of Evanston contributions, anonymous local philanthropists, and private donors.
Various speakers, such as Schakowsky, Mayor Biss, Commissioner Morita, and Rev. Woolf, acknowledged the efforts of Connections to expand housing. They underscored the importance of the national YIGBY movement, which advocates for repurposing vacant church land for affordable housing. YIGBY stands for “Yes in God’s Backyard,” contrasting the NIMBY attitude against neighborhood constructions.
Rev. Woolf emphasized the need to overcome obstacles like historical designations and zoning regulations, allowing faith-based institutions to act on their missions. He proclaimed their determination to continue the fight for adequate housing solutions.
Dan Cox noted that Lake Street Church has been practicing YIGBY principles for decades. He addressed homelessness as a community issue, urging cooperative solutions to ensure everyone belongs.
Christine Haley from the Illinois Office to Prevent and End Homelessness mentioned a related bill had been introduced but stalled in the General Assembly. Officials plan to pursue reforms to streamline housing developments and financial support for affordable projects in the upcoming legislative session.