Revitalization of Hilda’s Place Marks a New Chapter for Homeless Services in Evanston
For Danita, the ceremony at Lake Street Church in Evanston represented more than just a renovation. It marked her return to Hilda’s Place shelter, a place that supported her family 37 years ago during difficult times. “Our family wasn’t looking for someone to do everything for us. We needed a little help bridging the gap to get into our home,” she said. Danita highlighted how Connections for the Homeless provided rental assistance, while Interfaith Action of Evanston supported practical needs, enabling progress for her family.
Hilda’s Place, operating for over 40 years as one of Illinois’ longest-running emergency shelters, has provided housing in the basement of Lake Street Church. On August 12, 2026, notable figures including OPEH Chief Homelessness Officer Christine Haley, Rev. Michael Woolf, Connections for the Homeless Board Chair Dan Cox, CEO Betty Bogg, U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, 13th District Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita, and Ald. Jonathan Nieuwsma participated in the groundbreaking for facility renovations.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Hilda’s Place has operated solely as a daytime service center. Now, with over $6.5 million in grants, the site will be renovated to restore overnight shelter services by spring 2027. “Homelessness is not the result of personal failure,” stated Betty Bogg. “It is the predictable result of systems that do not work for everyone.” The renovation will add 30 shelter beds accommodating all genders, with showers, laundry, and bathroom facilities. During construction, the day center will move to the first and second floors of the church.
Bogg mentioned that the organization plans to rebrand as “Housing Connections” to reflect their ongoing commitment. Funding originated from a $2 million federal grant secured by U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky in 2023, along with contributions from the City of Evanston, an anonymous philanthropist, and private donors.
The event saw speeches from several officials, recognizing Connections for the Homeless‘ efforts and the broader YIGBY initiative, representing a nationwide effort to convert unused church spaces into affordable housing. YIGBY stands for “Yes in God’s Backyard,” countering the “Not in My Backyard” sentiment often opposed to neighborhood changes.
Rev. Woolf spoke of the challenges in repurposing church land, a complex task requiring various approvals. He emphasized the importance of legislative support to enable faith-based groups to pursue community aid objectives. “Sometimes, we must do this work without the support we would like,” he addressed the crowd.
Dan Cox noted that while YIGBY is a recent concept, Lake Street Church has embraced such principles for decades. He stressed, “Homelessness is not someone else’s problem; it’s our community’s problem, and the solution is community inclusiveness.” Christine Haley discussed past legislative efforts to expand housing access in Illinois, indicating future efforts to lower regulatory barriers and enhance affordable housing tools.