The Margarita Inn
One of our most significant and innovative programs is at the Margarita Inn.
Connections started operating at the Margarita in March 2020 after Governor Pritzker issued a mandatory shelter-in-place order due to the pandemic. This arrangement was initiated at the behest of the City of Evanston and was a catalyst to Connections, eventually sheltering more than 300 individuals at three different hotels throughout the city. Hotel-based shelter is a new, innovative model for providing shelter using Housing First principles.
In February of 2022, the City of Evanston requested that Connections clarify its operations at the Margarita, and in March of 2022 the City issued a zoning determination. In response to the City’s notice, we were directed to prepare and submit an application for a new Special Use Permit (SUP).
Land Use Commission
The process to renew the Margarita Inn’s SUP is now officially underway. On September 28th, in an effort to make the Margarita our permanent facility, we submitted a special use permit application to the Land Use Commission. And we will present our case formally to the Commission at a public hearing on November 30th.
The formal presentation is the critical first step of a two-part process. Once the Land Use Commission hears our case and reviews the application, they’ll send their recommendation to the City Council for a final vote on whether to approve our bid for a permit renewal. Although not a guarantee of a “yes” from City Council, a positive recommendation from the LUC will make all the difference.
The meeting is at 7:00pm on Wednesday November 30th in Council Chambers at 2100 Ridge. RSVP at this link if you can join us in support of our permit renewal.
Letters of Support
The voice of our community is an essential part of this application. We need letters from supporters to help us tell our story through your words and experiences. Send your letter to Mayor Biss, Melissa Klotz, Zoning Administrator, and be sure to include Connections and the City leadership listed in the sample email below.
A typical letter would include the following:
It doesn't have to be formal or on letterhead. Just write down your thoughts and email them to us at eullum@connect2home.org.
Sample Email:
Subject Line: Support of Connections at the Margarita Inn
To: dbiss@cityofevanston.org; mklotz@cityofevanston.org
CC: lwilliams@cityofevanston.org; mmjones@cityofevanston.org; ckelly@cityofevanston.org; kharris@cityofevanston.org; mwynne@cityofevanston.org;
jnieuwsma@cityofevanston.org; bburns@cityofevanston.org; tsuffredin@cityofevanston.org; erevelle@cityofevanston.org
dreid@cityofevanston.org; jgeracaris@cityofevanston.org; sflax@cityofevanston.org; communications@connect2home.org
Dear Mayor Biss and Administrator Klotz,
My name is Peter Smith, my family lives in the 4th ward. We've lived in the city for 12 years raising our wonderful children and dog. Our family has made bagged lunches for Connections since my kids were in Girl Scouts. We know because of the pandemic more people need help than ever before. Homelessness is growing across the country. Connections is our community's solution to this problem they are not the problem. I hope you will support their ongoing use of the Margarita Inn as a shelter for our neighbors who need their help.
Sincerely,
The Smith's
Connections started operating at the Margarita in March 2020 after Governor Pritzker issued a mandatory shelter-in-place order due to the pandemic. This arrangement was initiated at the behest of the City of Evanston and was a catalyst to Connections, eventually sheltering more than 300 individuals at three different hotels throughout the city. Hotel-based shelter is a new, innovative model for providing shelter using Housing First principles.
In February of 2022, the City of Evanston requested that Connections clarify its operations at the Margarita, and in March of 2022 the City issued a zoning determination. In response to the City’s notice, we were directed to prepare and submit an application for a new Special Use Permit (SUP).
Land Use Commission
The process to renew the Margarita Inn’s SUP is now officially underway. On September 28th, in an effort to make the Margarita our permanent facility, we submitted a special use permit application to the Land Use Commission. And we will present our case formally to the Commission at a public hearing on November 30th.
The formal presentation is the critical first step of a two-part process. Once the Land Use Commission hears our case and reviews the application, they’ll send their recommendation to the City Council for a final vote on whether to approve our bid for a permit renewal. Although not a guarantee of a “yes” from City Council, a positive recommendation from the LUC will make all the difference.
The meeting is at 7:00pm on Wednesday November 30th in Council Chambers at 2100 Ridge. RSVP at this link if you can join us in support of our permit renewal.
Letters of Support
The voice of our community is an essential part of this application. We need letters from supporters to help us tell our story through your words and experiences. Send your letter to Mayor Biss, Melissa Klotz, Zoning Administrator, and be sure to include Connections and the City leadership listed in the sample email below.
A typical letter would include the following:
- Where do you live in Evanston?
- For how long?
- How have you interacted with the Margarita?
- Why do you believe in our mission and in helping the homeless?
It doesn't have to be formal or on letterhead. Just write down your thoughts and email them to us at eullum@connect2home.org.
Sample Email:
Subject Line: Support of Connections at the Margarita Inn
To: dbiss@cityofevanston.org; mklotz@cityofevanston.org
CC: lwilliams@cityofevanston.org; mmjones@cityofevanston.org; ckelly@cityofevanston.org; kharris@cityofevanston.org; mwynne@cityofevanston.org;
jnieuwsma@cityofevanston.org; bburns@cityofevanston.org; tsuffredin@cityofevanston.org; erevelle@cityofevanston.org
dreid@cityofevanston.org; jgeracaris@cityofevanston.org; sflax@cityofevanston.org; communications@connect2home.org
Dear Mayor Biss and Administrator Klotz,
My name is Peter Smith, my family lives in the 4th ward. We've lived in the city for 12 years raising our wonderful children and dog. Our family has made bagged lunches for Connections since my kids were in Girl Scouts. We know because of the pandemic more people need help than ever before. Homelessness is growing across the country. Connections is our community's solution to this problem they are not the problem. I hope you will support their ongoing use of the Margarita Inn as a shelter for our neighbors who need their help.
Sincerely,
The Smith's
Questions?
Contact Nia Tavoularis at niat@connect2home.org
Contact Nia Tavoularis at niat@connect2home.org
additional resources
special use permit
in the news
- Connections for the Homeless files permit to continue operating Margarita Inn shelter in Evanston Roundtable
- From hotel to homeless shelter: A peek into the Margarita Inn in Evanston RoundTable
- In Focus: As Connections for the Homeless looks to purchase the Margarita Inn, residents remain divided on the buildings future
- City: Hotel at Margarita not permitted in Evanston Now
- Nonprofit to pursue permit needed in Evanston RoundTable
- Connections for the Homeless Needs New Permit For Margarita Inn in Evanston Patch
- Margarita Press Release
- Emotional meeting about homeless housing at Margarita Inn draws hundreds in Evanston RoundTable
- Connections for the Homeless Looks to Buy the Margarita Inn in The Patch
- Margarita Pact with Neighbors in works in Evanston Now
