A letter from the Executive Director

Dear friends of LPCS,

It is an honor and privilege to be writing to you as the new Executive Director of the Lincoln Park Community Shelter.

 I am beyond grateful to be associated with an organization that for 30 years has done so much to combat homelessness in Chicago.  With a passionate board firmly committed to our mission, a highly professional and dedicated staff, an array of outstanding community partners, and the invaluable volunteers who provide countless hours of service and support, the future couldn’t be brighter for the LPCS. 

Prior to joining LPCS, I spent 2.5 of my 4.5 years with Chicago Lights, as the Director of the Elam Davies Social Service Center (a nonprofit born from Fourth Presbyterian Church).  During that time I’m proud to have led a strategic transformation of the agency from a focus on emergency food and clothing assistance to a long-term, case management based model.  Much of this transformation was inspired and influenced by the programming model of LPCS.  
 
You may not know that I actually began my social work career as a program intern with LPCS through DePaul University, and it’s truly a dream come true to return to the agency that left such a lasting impact on how I view social justice and the concept of community.  Forgive the cliché, but I cannot help but feel like I’m finally returning home. 

Much has changed since I was last here, and it’s impressive to see how the agency has evolved in such a short period.  Working from a new strategic plan, LPCS has expanded its services by launching the sister organization Independent Community Living, LLC, and providing permanent supportive housing through the Independent Community Living Program.  LPCS continues to be a key supporter in Chicago’s Plan 2.0 to End Homelessness. 

My goal is to help guide this continued evolution of LPCS and fulfill the agency mission of bringing communities together to empower homeless men and women to make and sustain life changes.  As we all know homelessness requires a community response, and I’m excited to get to work.  Won’t you join me? 

Sincerely,

Dan Hula
Executive Director
Lincoln Park Community Shelter

 

LPCS is turning 30...and we're writing a book!

The Lincoln Park Community Shelter is calling for submissions from all LPCS Guests, former Guests, Graduates, Neighbors, Volunteers, Community Clients, ICLP Residents, current and former Staff and Board Members!!!

We want to honor your experiences through a "collective memoir" of homelessness and LPCS. Please consider sharing any part of your journey with us. Click here for more information. You can submit your story at 30years@LPCSonline.org.
 

Needed Items

We always welcome donations from the community, including, but not limited to food for our Graduate pantry, toiletries, home goods, and more. If you are interested in donating please contact Evan Twichell, Volunteer Coordinator at lpcsinfo@lpcsonline.org or 773.549.6111 ext 216 so that we know that you're dropping off donations. 

This month we're looking to replenish our pantry and also provide items for our Independent Community Living Program (ICLP) clients and Graduates. Below is a list of things that are needed:

• Laundry Detergent
• Hygiene products (travel-sized are welcomed): deodorant, shaving cream, toothpaste, and razors
• Socks
• Underwear, especially larger sizes
• Space heaters
• Toaster oven
• Microwaves
• Humidifier
• TVs
• TV converter boxes
• Can openers
• Silverware
• Pots and pans
• Floor lamps
• Two walking canes 
• 2015 pocket calendars