Lincoln Park Community Services Urges Community Support Amid Winter Crisis

As Chicago faces frigid winter temperatures, the Lincoln Park Community Services (LPCS) is calling for donations to sustain its vital programs that support individuals experiencing homelessness. The organization is witnessing unprecedented demand, with over 6,000 visits recorded last year, a significant increase from just 409 visits four years ago.

On a recent Wednesday, temperatures hovered in the high 20s Fahrenheit, prompting many individuals to seek refuge at LPCS. The drop-in program, operating daily from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., offers a warm meal, companionship, and shelter from the cold.

Cheryl Hamilton-Hill, CEO of LPCS, emphasized the growing need for support during the winter months. She noted, “During the winter months, we see a spike in the number of people who are coming to us for support and care.” The organization not only provides meals but also clothing, showers, laundry facilities, and various overnight accommodations.

Participants can stay for short or extended periods while working on personal goals, such as securing employment and housing, with assistance from caseworkers. “It’s because they’re working on their case plan. They’re making sure that they are earning income and they’re looking for housing during that timeframe,” Hamilton-Hill explained.

In addition to the drop-in program, LPCS operates a year-round street outreach initiative. Last year, outreach teams assisted approximately 8,000 individuals, addressing the needs of those in transient situations. Hamilton-Hill reported an alarming trend: “We’re seeing quite a bit more seniors than we have ever seen before; numbers of individuals who are over 60 to 80 years old.”

Despite the critical services provided, LPCS faces significant funding challenges. As of December 31, 2023, both the drop-in and outreach programs are at risk of closure due to cuts in city and federal funding. Hamilton-Hill stated, “We are trying to do everything that we can to make up the funding. So, if individuals from the community want to help, we need you.”

To continue its operations, LPCS is seeking to raise $400,000. Community members interested in contributing can do so through their website. The organization’s ability to provide essential services during this harsh winter depends on the generosity of the public, highlighting the pressing social issue of homelessness in Chicago.

With the need for assistance growing, LPCS remains committed to its mission of supporting vulnerable populations. The call for donations serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by those without stable housing and the importance of community involvement in addressing these urgent issues.