Ecumenical Shelter Network of Lake County Inc

Families Moving Forward: Families Moving Forward operates in a separate wing specifically built for them at Project Hope for the Homeless from 1 p.m. to 7 a.m. weekdays and 2 p.m. to 7 a.m. on weekends. This program provides emergency shelter, a hot dinner, light breakfast, packed lunch, showers, linens, toiletries, clothing and laundry vouchers, various workshops from 30 partners, referrals to local resources, and optional spiritual support.
Our guests, who enter the shelter on their first night with very little or nothing, meet with trained professional staff members, receive one-on-one referrals to partner agencies and guidance meetings. Completing weekly goals helps them get to the root of their homelessness, build self-reliance and self-sufficiency to end the cycle of homelessness and be able to live. Resources are provided to assist with obtaining the needed items for setting up their new home. In 2022, provided 1940 nights of care to 26 parents and 43 children.

The Aftercare program provides a multi-pronged approach to meet the needs of former guests through assessments for subsidized rent, care packages, social events, educational workshops, informal support and referrals. It is often the only support for those who are transitioning from the shelter who are struggling with mental health and/or chemical dependency issues. Through this program our former guests receive updates on community workshops that may assist with their needs once they have transitioned. It also provides them with basic household items during their transition into housing, along with hygiene and personal items throughout the year as needed. The program has reduced recidivism from 20% down to about 6%.

In 2019, Project Hope for the Homeless began a 3-unit transitional housing program for seniors ages 62 and older who find themselves homeless. An extension of our aftercare services, these persons receive subsidized or free rent for up to 90 days. This provides them with 24/7 shelter and the same type of case management offered sheltered guests. They also receive Meals on Wheels daily (provided by partner agency, Lake County Council on Aging) as well as transport to/from physician appointments and/or the grocery store. Assistance is provided as needed for laundry, chores or smaller tasks as needed.