Danita attended the recent groundbreaking ceremony at Lake Street Church in Evanston with a deep sense of gratitude. For her, it symbolized more than a renovation and reopening. It marked a return to the Hilda’s Place shelter, which 37 years ago, offered her refuge during a difficult period. Danita, for privacy reasons, preferred not to disclose her last name, shared, “Our family didn’t seek complete support. We needed a bit of help to bridge the gap between hard work and securing our own home.”
In Evanston, Connections for the Homeless provided rental assistance, while Interfaith Action of Evanston helped with practical needs, enabling Danita’s family to progress. Hilda’s Place, one of Illinois’ longest-running emergency shelters, has been offering overnight accommodations at Lake Street Church for over 40 years.
From left: OPEH Chief Homelessness Officer Christine Haley, Rev. Michael Woolf, Connections for the Homeless Board Chair Dan Cox, Connections for the Homeless CEO Betty Bogg, U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, 13th District Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita, and Ald. Jonathan Nieuwsma, 4th, participated in the groundbreaking for renovations at Hilda’s Place inside Lake Street Church in Evanston, on Aug. 12, 2026. (Claire Murphy/Pioneer Press)
After COVID-19, Connections for the Homeless shifted Hilda’s Place to serve as a daytime center. Now, with over $6.5 million in grants, the shelter will undergo major renovations to restore overnight services by spring 2027. During the ceremony, Connections for the Homeless CEO Betty Bogg emphasized, “Homelessness stems from systemic failures, not personal ones.”
Betty Bogg addresses the crowd at the groundbreaking event for the restoration of Hilda’s Place at Lake Street Church on Aug. 12, 2026. (Claire Murphy/Pioneer Press)
The renovation project plans to add 30 beds, inclusive of all genders, as well as bathrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. The current day center, operating in the basement, will relocate to the upper floors during construction. Bogg disclosed plans to rebrand the organization as “Housing Connections,” signaling continued commitment to Evanston.
Funding includes a $2 million federal grant secured in 2023 by U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, alongside support from the City of Evanston, an anonymous philanthropist, and private donors.
Lake Street Church, depicted on Aug. 12, 2026, has hosted Hilda’s Place for over 40 years. (Claire Murphy/Pioneer Press)
Several speakers at the event, including Schakowsky, Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, 13th District Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita, and Rev. Michael Woolf, acknowledged the increase in housing availability efforts. These efforts align with the YIGBY (Yes in God’s Backyard) movement, involving faith-based groups repurposing church land for affordable housing. This movement contrasts with NIMBY, a sentiment opposing local developments that some residents hold.
Although repurposing church land involves complex zoning and approval processes, YIGBY advocates pursue legislation to expedite municipal approvals. Rev. Woolf remarked on the challenges faced by faith-based organizations, citing zoning and landmarks as obstacles.
Rev. Michael Woolf speaks at the groundbreaking of Hilda’s Place in Evanston on Aug. 12, 2026. (Claire Murphy/Pioneer Press)
Connections for the Homeless Board Chair Dan Cox mentioned, “While the YIGBY term is recent, Lake Street Church has embodied its principles for 42 years.” Cox stressed community responsibility in addressing homelessness.
Christine Haley, Illinois Office to Prevent and End Homelessness Chief, noted a stalled YIGBY-adjacent bill aimed at expanding state housing access. Officials aim to revive reforms to streamline approvals, speed up redevelopment, and enhance financial options for affordable housing projects at an upcoming legislative session.
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