Anderson Emergency Shelter Ribbon Cutting

Housing Forward is proud to share highlights from the ribbon cutting of the new Anderson Emergency Shelter. This new space allows us to host up to 40 guests nightly, with laundry facilities, a communal dining space, and a small commercial kitchen where volunteers will be able to prepare and serve meals.

The ribbon cutting on Friday, September 19 marked the completion of leasehold improvements at the shelter and an opportunity for local officials, volunteers and community members to tour the facility. Speakers included Oak Park Village President Vicki Scaman, Cook County Board Commissioner Tara Stamps, Illinois Representative Camille Lilly, and Susan Campbell from the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development.

Housing Forward CEO Lynda Schueler also took a moment to thank the community for their support and praised the efforts of the Housing Forward staff. Additionally, she brought up Pat Anderson, a long-time homelessness advocate and the shelter namesake, to share what inspired her decades of volunteerism. 

Housing Forward plans to move guests of the current shelter to the new space in early October. Throughout the coming months, the organization plans to slowly open additional beds as the staff and guests adjust to the change in routine. Volunteers who have signed up to provide meals at the shelter at St. Catherine St. Lucy will be contacted with additional information about the new meal serving process.

This opportunity is due to the support of our volunteers, supporters, and partners who have supported our mission and vision along the way. The property at 112 S. Humphrey is owned by the Oak Park Housing Authority and leased by Housing Forward. Improvements and general operations are funded through a mix of public support, including more than $330,000 from the Village of Oak Park and $250,000 from Cook County.

For more images from the ribbon cutting, check out the Housing Forward Facebook.