Hilda’s Place

Groundbreaking Ceremony

This milestone celebrates the power of partnership between Connections, Lake Street Church, community leaders, advocates, and supporters who believe everyone deserves a safe place to call home. As we recommit to congregate shelter, we're also embracing innovative solutions like Yes in God's Backyard (YIGBY) and advancing policies that address the root causes of homelessness and the affordable housing crisis.

We hope you join us for an afternoon of inspiration, remarks from community leaders, light refreshments, and tours of the space.

Together, we'll celebrate our history, mark this important milestone, and work to end homelessness one system, one policy, and one person at a time.

Featured Speakers

  • Dan Cox, Board Chair, Connections for the Homeless

  • Betty Bogg, Chief Executive Officer, Connections for the Homeless

  • Danita, Former Hilda's Place Shelter Participant

  • Daniel Biss, Mayor of Evanston

  • Josina Morita, Cook County Commissioner, 13th District

  • Christine Haley, Chief Homelessness Officer, Illinois Office to Prevent and End Homelessness (OPEH)

  • Rev. Dr. Michael Woolf, ThD, Senior Minister, Lake Street Church of Evanston

Wednesday, August 12
4: 30-6 PM

Lake Street Church
1450 Chicago Ave
Evanston

Join us for a Groundbreaking Ceremony to mark the restoration of one of Illinois’ longest-running emergency shelters, Hilda’s Place—a space that has provided safety, dignity, and hope for people experiencing homelessness for more than 40 years. Construction begins this month, and by late spring of 2027, the overnight shelter will reopen with 30 beds available to people of all genders and families.

Register