CHICAGO (CBS) – We have already told you about the homeless shelter in De Plains, which needs a new home. Our cameras have been there before, during and now after the struggle to create a place for young women in need.
CBS 2 Morning Insider Lauren Victory completes its trilogy of updates about Harbor House.
The $ 1.6 million homeless shelter is being prepared for five years instead of weeks or months.
“Coming to this point and seeing all the people coming to help set up is an incredible feeling,” said CEO Melody Rose.
The long-awaited new start comes after some false starts for the non-profit The Harbor.
In March 2021 CBS 2 showed you the patches that hold the old shelter in place; a patchwork spotted by a fire marshal.
Not only the building collapsed, but also plans to raise funds for a new shelter.
The pandemic stopped donations, but then, “When the CBS tape came out, we had a donor angel coming out of a tree.” Last June, former Harbor CEO Chris Sallards said.
This wave of goodwill continues.
The nonprofit partner Designs for Dignity coordinated donated furniture and materials worth $ 140,000, as well as hundreds of hours of design services for free.
“You will see streaks of color, comfortable furniture. Everything was done to make these young women feel at home,” said Designs for Dignity CEO Jennifer Sabeki.
Unlike the previous layout, separate zones for teens 12 to 17 and 18 to 21 are included.
And perhaps most importantly: the capacity increases from 8 to 10.
It is a great pleasure for young people to go on tour, be here, get shelter and feel safe, and I feel it will be great, ”said Cedric Fayles, the head of the apartment building.
The old repository is awaiting demolition. In its place they will build a beautiful garden for all who will stay at the new Harbor House.
Donations are still needed for the new shelter, as the construction has exceeded the budget by $ 300,000. Organizers blame the increase in costs associated with supply chain problems.
