Housing Forward Shelter -
Catholic Communities of Oak Park and Neighbors
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Housing Forward in our Oak Park Ministry Site
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The Housing Forward Emergency Overnight Shelter at St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy Ministry Site is available for individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness year-round - Housing Forward and St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish are thrilled to continue our partnership to provide the 15-bed shelter that was launched in January 2023.
The shelter is located in the former rectory on the St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy Ministry Site. Modeled after our former PADS emergency shelter model, shelter guests also receive a hot dinner, a continental breakfast, and a to-go lunch, access to laundry and personal hygiene facilities. Unlike PADS, there will be no rotating location, and guests can sleep at the shelter from 7:00 PM to 6:30 AM every night.
> Housing Forward Website
HOUSING FORWARD UPDATE - NOVEMBER 2025 - In October 2025, Housing Forward expanded its shelter options with the opening of a new 40-bed shelter at 112 S. Humphrey in Oak Park. Many hands and hearts are needed to prepare for welcoming the guests. Please see volunteer opportunities below!
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Meal Providers and Hosts Needed - Both Parishes
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From Ascension and St. Edmund Parish
For 33 years, Housing Forward, formerly PADS, has provided year-round support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the near-west suburbs. Since its early years, the faith communities of Ascension and St. Edmund have been committed partners to Housing Forward’s vision to end homelessness. In fact, our own Murphy Hall was once an overnight shelter. We have served as a strong volunteer arm providing assistance with meal preparation and shelter support in the past. Our help is needed now more than ever.
Emergency Overnight Shelter - At this time, the Emergency Overnight Shelter is temporarily located at the Bridge Center on the St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy Campus. It provides overnight sleep accommodations and meals for 25 individuals and families with minor children experiencing homelessness. It’s new, larger and permanent location, The Anderson Shelter (112 S. Humphrey in Oak Park) which can accommodate up to 40 individuals, is currently being repaired due to flooding. The shelters have a weekly on-site medical clinic, engagement specialists, and are the entry point to Housing Forward’s housing and support services.
Support from Our Parish - Ascension and St. Edmund has committed to providing meals and volunteers 2 days per month. Will you help us? Together, we can do this! We have created the following job assignments on SignUpGenius:- Meal Prep - Prepare or purchase a dinner or breakfast item such as an entree, side dish, dessert or bread for 12 guests. Meals are cooked/prepared in your home and dropped off.
- Brown Bag Lunch Prep - Prepare about 12 lunches with a sandwich, fruit, chips, bottle of water, and a dessert such as cookie or granola bar.
- Dinner or Breakfast Host - Set up dining area, serve meals, interact with guests, and clean up as needed.
Upcoming volunteers dates include March 13, March 27, April 10 and April 24, 2026 with more dates to be posted. If you are interested in learning more or would like to help in the future, please email Coordinator, Jane Houle, at [email protected], or sign up online by using the SignUpGenius form below.
> Housing Forward Meal Sign-Up
Thank you for your generous hearts and willingness to serve our brothers and sisters in need.From St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish
Housing Forward provides year round emergency overnight shelter for those experiencing homelessness in two locations in our community. The parishes of Oak Park support this effort in several ways.
With the opening of Housing Forward's 40-bed shelter at 112 S. Humphrey in Oak Park, the women of St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St. Giles help by providing a continental breakfast for Housing Forward clients on the first Monday of each month. Slots are full through June 2026 and will start up again on October 5, 2026 while the team takes a summer break. This is a great service opportunity for teens and families, and can be shared between households. If you or your family are interested in helping out during the summer, please visit the Housing Forward volunteer page linked below!
> Housing Forward Volunteer Information
We already have signups available for this fall. Sign up for the monthly dates are online by using the SignUpGenius Form below!
> Housing Forward Breakfast Sign-Up
To learn more about the shelter program, and volunteer opportunities, contact Theresa Lipo at (708) 692-4404 or [email protected].
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General Information - Volunteers Are Needed!
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Volunteers are a key to the success of the emergency shelter and they are a very important part of assisting with daily operations and to provide meals for shelter guests. Between the emergency overnight shelter and the Interim Housing Program, we provide 1,260 meals every week! Individuals and groups are welcome to be part of creating a safe and stable place for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED- Dinner Providers - Prepare hot dinner meal for 40 to be dropped off by 7:00 PM. Dinner providers can also volunteer for evening hosting if they want to stay and serve.
- Breakfast Providers - Donate breakfast supplies for 40 (cereal, fruit, juice, yogurt, etc.).
- Lunch Providers - Donate bagged lunches for 40 (sandwiches, chips, fruit, cookies, etc.) for guests to take with them when leaving the shelter the next day.
- Evening Hosting - 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM (shift can be split) - Interact with guests, set up, and clean up.
- Morning Hosting - 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM - Assist with breakfast and clean-up.
Both INDIVIDUAL and GROUP volunteers are welcome and much needed.
Volunteers can sign up for one day, a few days, or ideally for an ongoing monthly commitment.
To learn more about the shelter program, meal opportunities, and volunteer opportunities, contact Cherrell Jackson, Volunteer and Volunteer Outreach Manager, at [email protected] or via phone at (708) 338-1724 ext. 201.
For groups interested in volunteering, visit Housing Forward’s Volunteer page:
> Housing Forward Volunteer Sign-Up
WANT TO HELP BUT CAN’T VOLUNTEER? - Housing Forward needs supplies to help stock the shelter. Please consider purchasing a NEW housewarming item at the link below as we prepare to welcome people into the new space.
> Housing Forward Emergency Shelter House2Home List
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Donations Needed! - “When I was Hungry, You Gave Me to Eat”
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MEAL DONATIONS - The Homeless Shelter has experienced an all-time low in meal donations for the homeless and Housing Forward has not received sufficient donations of meals. It’s not typical to have a shelter all year-round and when one thinks of a shelter one thinks more of the dark, cold winter months. Now that the shelter is year-round, the guests at the shelter desperately need your help not only with volunteering but also with donations for meals.
MONETARY DONATIONS - The shelter has gone well in large part due to the support of many volunteers who helped with meals and other needed essentials. The monetary donations received are very helpful as well. If you would like to help, please send a gift to the office with “Shelter donation” marked on the envelope OR you can make a donation online by using the button below. Any donation will be welcomed!
> Donate to Housing Forward Online
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