Shield of Hope

The Salvation Army Shield of Hope

If you or a loved one are facing homelessness, please call 311. The City of Chicago will contact us for placement.

The Salvation Army partnered with the City of Chicago to create the nation's first emergency homeless assessment and rapid-response center (EHARC). Opened in March 2018, Shield of Hope provides families facing homelessness personalized service and support. The facility is an integral part of the City’s network serving some of her most vulnerable residents.

Every family that walks through the doors receives their own personalized care plan – from health, housing, and income to employment, education, and life skills. Unlike many shelters, Shield of Hope keeps families together – including fathers and older teen boys. With 75 beds available for vulnerable families on a nightly basis, Shield of Hope can accommodate up to 125 beds in emergency shelter situations.

Within two weeks, Shield of Hope clients are referred to the program that best meets their immediate needs, including living with family or friends, shelter, or other temporary arrangement. During their stay, families have access to services at The Salvation Army’s Freedom Center Campus, located across the street in Chicago’s West Humboldt Park neighborhood. Those include social service programs, job training, recreational and educational programs for the entire family, and treatment for substance use disorder.

Shield of Hope provides:

• 20 bedrooms with private bathrooms and personal storage; several rooms connect to accommodate larger families and allow them to remain together
• Nutritious meals and snacks
• Laundry room
• Cafeteria
• Counseling, support services, and life skills training
• Assistance obtaining permanent housing

Support these life-changing programs with a gift and/or contact us at 773-205-3502 or metvolunteer@usc.salvationarmy.org to volunteer.