Founded in 1985, Lincoln Park Community Services (LPCS) brings communities together to empower individuals facing homelessness and poverty to secure stable housing and make sustainable life changes. They are not just a shelter. LPCS provides unique and impactful opportunities that transform lives through individualized programming and services, passionate volunteers, and dedicated staff. What began as a collaboration by four Lincoln Park faith communities, LPCS has grown from being a seasonable warming shelter to having a meal program, case management services, and full-time shelter.

For more than 30 years LPCS has stayed true to its mission and provides five main areas of comprehensive programming to over 500 men and women each year including:

Community Engagement Program – providing basic support services (access to showers, laundry, clothing, toiletries, meals, and referrals) to individuals experiencing homelessness and those in danger of becoming homeless;

Interim Housing Community – providing full-time residence, safety, security, and communal activities to 35 Guests at a time;

On Track Program – providing case management and individualized goal setting through three programmatic tracks (addiction recovery, mental and physical health, and employment and education);

Independent Community Living Program – facilitating permanent supportive housing for individuals with disabilities;

and Graduate Community – providing less intensive support for former Guests who have completed the On Track Program.

Last year, LPCS broke ground on a capital expansion project that will be our new home housing 20 PSH, 48 Interim Housing beds, and a community drop-in center located at 1521 N. Sedgwick in the Old Town community. This facility will open in April 2019.

As a non-profit organization, LPCS relies heavily on the support of volunteers and community partners to serve more than 500 individuals each year. Volunteers prepare and serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, teach classes and activities, serve as front desk volunteers, and much more. Those interested can visit their website at lpcsonline.org/getinvolved for more information.

Their annual spring gala, Metamorphosis is coming up on Friday, March 29 at Gallery 1500 on the 2nd level of New City at 1500 N. Clybourn. The event celebrates the transformative impact of our organization. The event features a cocktail hour, sit down dinner, an award presentation, a live auction, a DJ and dancing. More information can be found online at Metamorphosis 2019.

Lastly, the LPCS annual production of the Homeless Monologues will take place on Monday, April 15 at the Goodman Theatre. The event features their Guest and Graduate stories told on stage by professional actors. Tickets are $25 and include admission and light refreshments. More information can be found online at Homeless Monologues 2019.

As they get ready to officially move into Old Town, LPCS has noted how they have enjoyed connecting with many neighbors, partner organizations, and community leaders over the last year as we lead up to our move. “We have been greeted with warmth, enthusiasm and support for our work. The energy of the Old Town community and disconnectedness of the members within it is truly unique. We’re incredibly excited and grateful for the opportunity to join such a special community in a few weeks.”