This year’s shelter has been an extraordinary journey. I feel immensely privileged and grateful to lead this ministry, witnessing firsthand how lives—especially those of dear friends—have been saved and transformed through our collective efforts and meaningful partnerships. My heartfelt thanks go to the City of Elgin for their generous financial support, and to every staff member and volunteer who sacrificed their time and evenings to care for our cherished guests.

— Alex

 

Guest Utilization

Throughout the winter season, our shelter provided refuge to 244 unique individuals, with 195 people from Elgin. 17 guests moved to the Lexington motel for continued support. This marks a slight decrease from last year's 288 guests, of whom 176 were Elgin residents.​

In total, we offered approximately 5,000 nights of shelter, underscoring our commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for those in need during challenging times.​

Capcity

This season, the shelter maintained a capacity of 85 individuals. A significant change was the decision to serve Elgin residents exclusively. The shelter opened on an emergency basis for five nights before officially commencing on December 15, 2024. From these emergency nights through March 15, 2025, we averaged 55 guests per night, comprising 48 males and 7 females.​

In comparison, the previous season saw an average of 77 guests per night, with 66 males and 11 females.

Volunteer engagement and Participation

We are heartened by the robust volunteer support this year. A total of 242 volunteer slots were filled, contributing 974 hours of dedicated service. This unwavering commitment played a crucial role in the shelter's operations and the well-being of our guests. 50 volunteers generously offered their time and expertise. Their dedication ensured smooth operations and significantly enhanced the overall experience for our guests.​

Community partnerships

Collaborations with local organizations were instrumental in providing comprehensive support:​

  • AID Street Outreach Team assisted during the initial days, aiding in guest registration

  • AID Street Outreach Worker facilitated over 20 connection points

  • AID Behavioral Health staff provided 5 connection points, with 2 guests enrolling in their program

  • Greater Family Health and Open Door Health conducted weekly STD/HIV testing

  • Vituity Medical Clinic offered check-ups and haircuts in December and March

  • Ecker Center’s MCR team assisted with the Point-In-Time Count surveys

Casework command center

The Casework Command Center played a pivotal role in connecting guests to essential services:​

  • 243 unique individuals have an up-to-date Release of Information (ROI).​

  • 184 individuals signed an ROI during the shelter season, with 162 signing for the first time.​

  • 30 individuals connected to or are participating in services.​

  • 14 guests transitioned to the motel.​

  • 22 individuals renewed their ROI.​

  • 17 guests are actively participating in services, with 2 moving to the motel and 2 securing housing.​

notable statistics (only Elgin guests)

  • Approximately 70% had been homeless for less than 3 years.​

  • Over 25% experienced homelessness for less than 6 months before seeking shelter.​

  • 50% reported staying on the streets, including parking garages and behind buildings.​

  • The average age was 44 years old.​

  • On average, individuals checked in 25 times, not always consecutively.​

  • Compared to last year, there was a significant decrease in violent behavior, police involvement, and the need for bans or trespassing citations.​

These insights highlight the critical need for a low-threshold shelter and long-term solutions to transition individuals from homelessness to stable housing. Maintaining a by-name list remains a vital component of this strategy.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for Year-Round Care and Community Transformation

As we reflect on the impact of this winter's shelter, our hearts are filled with gratitude and hope. The shelter provided a safe haven for many during the harshest months, but our mission extends beyond seasonal relief.​

We are committed to continuing our efforts to offer overnight care, ensuring that individuals are protected from dangerous temperatures and have a place of refuge. Our dedication to sharing the hope and help of Jesus remains at our core, guiding our actions and inspiring our community outreach.​

Looking forward, we are actively pursuing the establishment of a full-time community center—a place where individuals can find shelter every night of the year. This center aims to be more than just a shelter; through strategic partnerships, it will provide comprehensive wrap-around services, addressing the multifaceted needs of our community members.​

Our vision is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves dignity, support, and the opportunity to thrive. By fostering collaborations and building a network of resources, we strive to create a community where no one is invisible, and everyone has access to food, freedom, and forgiveness.

Together, with faith and collective effort, we can transform lives and build a stronger, more compassionate Elgin.

— Alex and the One Collective Team

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