Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) Acting Commissioner Maura McCauley have announced a $40 million capital improvement funding initiative to modernize homeless shelter facilities across Chicago. This investment is part of the DFSS Shelter Infrastructure Initiative, marking the largest local shelter capital investment in the city's history.
“This investment is the most significant step forward in the history of Chicago in our mission to make housing a human right in our city,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “When it comes to building a safe and affordable city, housing and shelter must be prioritized to stabilize our residents who are housing insecure or experiencing homelessness. With this historic investment, we are making our shelters more accessible, more dignified, and ultimately, more effective at helping Chicagoans in need.”
The funding will support improvements to over 750 permanent shelter beds, enhancing ADA accessibility and modernizing infrastructure. Additionally, it will develop more than 350 non-congregate beds providing private rooms with secure storage for individuals and families. Research indicates that non-congregate shelters improve health and housing outcomes compared to congregate settings.
“It is a proud day for the City of Chicago as we reinforce our commitment to serving our City’s most vulnerable and doing all we can to ensure all individuals and families are able to access the support and care they need,” said DFSS Acting Commissioner Maura McCauley. “This investment is a significant step toward meeting the broad range of unique circumstances and experiences faced by those entering the shelter system and doing so with utmost compassion, dignity, and intentionality.”
The initiative is supported by $20 million from federal HOME-ARP funding and $20 million from locally issued bond funds. The program has undergone two years of project readiness assessments, site planning, and environmental reviews.
“The Shelter Infrastructure Initiative is a powerful example of how Mayor Johnson's administration is investing in solutions that honor the lives of our unhoused neighbors,” said Sendy Soto, chief homelessness officer for Chicago. “With renewed funding and a focus on best practices, we’re building a city where everyone has the support they need, no matter where they are on their housing journey.”
DFSS is collaborating with IFF as Program Administrator for this initiative. Additionally, DFSS partners with the Department of Housing (DOH) on its Non-Congregate Shelter Acquisition Program which allocates $30 million for acquiring new non-congregate facilities.
The improvements span seven neighborhoods across Chicago's North, South, and West sides. Shelters receiving provisional grant awards include St. Leonard’s Ministries – St. Leonard’s House (Near West Side), St. Leonard’s Ministries – Grace House (Near West Side), Franciscan Outreach – House of Mary and Joseph (East Garfield Park), The Inner Voice – Pioneer House (West Garfield Park), Covenant House Illinois (East Garfield Park), Cornerstone Community Outreach – Sylvia Center (Uptown), Olive Branch Mission – Lamplight (West Englewood).
These projects align with national best practices focusing on privacy, safety, accessibility enhancements including ADA upgrades, fire safety improvements among others leveraging public funds such as TIF support along with philanthropic contributions.
For further information about this initiative or accessing services visit www.chicago.gov/dfss or email dfss@cityofchicago.org.