Our History
In 1994, a group of area church leaders determined to address the burgeoning crisis of homelessness in their communities, established a program to focus efforts on the circumstances of numerous people who were showing up at warming centers across the city in desperate need of acute medical care as the result of illness or injury. Many of the individuals had been discharged from hospitals without a plan in place to help them complete their medical recovery, or address their housing situation. Interfaith House, an independent and secular organization, grew from that endeavor.
Interfaith House addressed this challenge by developing a program providing individual case management, support services, behavioral health assistance and counseling sessions. Over the years we have added an on-site clinic where residents can meet with medical professionals; an employment project to help residents in their search for a job; a housing advocacy team to locate stable housing; and a Health and Housing Outreach Team to provide a continuum of care through visits, counseling and support to clients once they have left us for independent housing.
Today, IFH is a 64-bed recuperative care center that operates around the clock. We are the only respite care center in Illinois dedicated to serving homeless men and women.
Our Impact
In our last fiscal year (July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009), Interfaith House served 338 homeless men and women — a 13.5% increase over the prior year — by providing interim housing and meals during their medical recovery and support services to aid each in rebuilding their lives and securing stable, independent housing. We were proud to report the following outcomes for the year:
- 93% of program participants completed their medical recovery plan
- 88% identified and received assistance with psychosocial issues that may have contributed to their homelessness
- 67% of participants were placed in stable housing or treatment
Our Residents
Prior to their arrival at IFH, our residents have lived by their wits on the streets, surviving on handouts, eating in soup kitchens — if at all, and moving from one homeless shelter to another. They live with untreated mental disorders, addictions, HIV/AIDS, and other illnesses.
Last year …
Our residents faced the following challenges:
- 47% of residents had a physical disability
- 25% suffered from mental illnesses
- 27% reported they are living with HIV/AIDS
- 49% suffered from addiction
Demographics
Our residents were:
- 28% female
- 72% male
- 70% African-American
- 19% Caucasian
- 9% Hispanic
- 2% Other
- 19% were age 55-years or older
- 18% were veterans
- 100% lived below the poverty level
- 67% arrived at Interfaith House with no source of income at all.