What we do
Since 1984, Connections has met the needs of our neighbors who are unstably housed, addressed the systematic causes of homelessness, and brought attention to the affordable housing crisis. Serving 5,000 people each year across our continuum of services — from eviction prevention and housing to emergency shelter and wrap-around support services — our impact is made possible by our community partnerships and 1,600 annual volunteers.
Our Mission
We serve and catalyze our community to end homelessness, one person at a time.
Our continuum of programs and services address the needs of the roughly 2,000 individuals who experience homelessness in our community each year and the thousands more at risk of losing their homes.
These include:
130 units of permanent housing scattered across northern Cook County and leased from private landlords.
Short- and long-term rental subsidies to ensure 250+ adults and young people remain stably housed.
Street- and site-based outreach programs to engage individuals experiencing or at-risk of experiencing homelessness.
Comprehensive wrap-around support services including assistance with securing and retaining benefits, career and education services, physical and behavioral health care, counseling, and addressing transportation barriers.
You’ll find us and our supportive housing and outreach programs in the City of Evanston, our homebase, as well as the townships of Barrington, Elk Grove, Hanover, Maine, New Trier, Niles, Northfield, Palatine, Schaumburg, and Wheeling.
Connections for the Homeless partners with the community to provide comprehensive, compassionate, well-resourced, and effective programs in an exceptional workplace. We are the agency in the northern suburbs delivering essential services to people facing homelessness and housing insecurity.
Strategic Goals
Connections 2021- 2023 Strategic Plan was adopted by the board of directors in the late fall of 2020. The plan was extended to be adapted through FY26. The Board of Director has launched a new strategic planning process with an expectation of a final plan by the end of calendar year 2026.
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Goal 1. Anti-Racism is incorporated into the fibers of the agency model: how Connections conducts itself with clients, staff, volunteers, and partners
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Goal 2. Connections’ bold, innovative programs and partnerships ensure the agency’s leadership in the prevention of and solutions to homelessness
Goal 3. Programs and services maximize wellness through housing, mental/physical health supports, jobs where appropriate, and connections to other resources
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Goal 4. Sophisticated, cohesive communication emphasizes advocacy, storytelling, and interactive public education
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Goal 5. Connections has the financial wherewithal to achieve its vision of ending homelessness one person at a time
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Goal 6. Connection has the necessary systems, facilities, and staff to support agency growth
Goal 7. Engaged, effective leadership drives the agency guided by the core values and acting as an anti-racist organization
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Goal 8. Engaged, strategic, and reflective of the community served, the board of directors embraces leading an anti-racist organization
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Goal 9. Connections actively educates the community on systems that perpetuate homelessness and is a thought leader on providing solutions to prevent homelessness in our community
Goal 10. Advocacy is an active growth area, is effective, and Connections is viewed as a leader because of this work
Goal 11. Community supporters and volunteers see themselves as active partners in Connections’ mission and financially support the agency
Goal 12. Connections has an intentional and creative approach to organizational partnerships and collaborations