FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Shelter, Inc. and The Harbour Partner Under Federal Grant to Expand Emergency Shelter Services
Arlington Heights, IL, January 13, 2025 – Shelter, Inc. is excited to announce its partnership with The Harbour, a Park Ridge-based organization, to expand emergency shelter services for at-risk youth in suburban Cook County. The partnership is made possible through a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, under the Basic Center Program (BCP). The total award of $280,000 includes $80,000 allocated to Shelter, Inc. to support its vital role in the Suburban Chicago Youth Housing Initiative (SCYHI).
“We are very grateful for this grant and excited to join forces with The Harbour to expand emergency shelter services in our community,” said Shelter, Inc. Executive Director, Carina H. Santa Maria. “This partnership, supported by federal funding, represents a significant step forward in providing safe, supportive spaces for vulnerable youth. Together, we are committed to creating brighter futures and ensuring every young person has a place to turn during their time of need.”
The Suburban Chicago Youth Housing Initiative is designed to provide temporary shelter and essential services for runaway, homeless, and at-risk youth aged 12-17. Through this funding, both Shelter, Inc. and The Harbour will work together to ensure that young people facing homelessness have access to safe housing, counseling, and a variety of support services aimed at reuniting families or finding stable alternative placements when reunification is not possible.
“We are thrilled to partner with Shelter, Inc. to strengthen and expand emergency shelter options for youth ages 11-20 with the Basic Center Program,” said Melody Rose, Executive Director of The Harbour. “This funding provides an opportunity to support youth experiencing chronic homelessness and housing instability. Although emergency housing resources for young people are incredibly limited across Cook County, this funding allows us to create awareness of and access to critical services over the next 3 years. Together, we are committed to ensuring all youth have a safe, stable environment in which to thrive.”
Under the terms of the BCP, both organizations will provide shelter for up to 21 days, offering comprehensive services, including crisis intervention, individual counseling, family reunification support, and case management. After 21 days, youth may be transferred to other services, including longer-term housing or family reunification, based on the youth’s needs and in accordance with federal guidelines.
The SCYHI program will serve the northern and northwestern suburbs of Cook County, a region that has seen a significant rise in poverty and youth homelessness over the past two decades. By collaborating with The Harbour, Shelter, Inc. will increase its ability to offer temporary shelter and services to youth in crisis, providing a crucial alternative to life on the streets or involvement with law enforcement and other systems.
Both organizations are committed to building a safer, more supportive environment for youth through access to positive youth development programs, social services, and aftercare. The initiative also aims to address the lack of youth shelter options in Cook County and raise awareness of the resources available to youth in crisis.
About Shelter
Founded in 1975, Shelter, Inc. is a leader in Chicagoland for providing emotional and physical care, programs, and services that children need to build safer, healthier, and brighter futures. Shelter Inc. is the only agency in Illinois to provide comprehensive and community-based services for children and families at risk and in need. Programs include emergency housing, transitional living, foster care, home visiting and clinical support services. Learn more at www.shelter-inc.org.
About The Harbour
The Harbour is a nonprofit agency dedicated to helping young people facing homelessness, providing shelter, counseling, and supportive services to at-risk youth in suburban Chicago. Through its programs, The Harbour aims to build safe, stable environments for youth to grow and succeed. Learn more at www.theharbour.org.
###