Help Empower Women Who are Homeless in Chicago

Thanks to the overwhelming support of staff, donors, volunteers, and our Board of Directors, Sarah's Circle was able to assist 110 women in finding homes in 2019! This is a 21% increase from the number of women housed in 2018. 

The challenges for women facing homelessness are mounting as we continue to see a decline in the number of affordable housing units in Chicago, but Sarah's Circle is looking to the future to ensure that every woman in Chicago has a safe and permanent place to call home. 

Along with housing more women in 2019, Sarah's Circle: 

• provided services to 763 women
• served 310 women via our Interim Housing Program
• provided case management to 526 participants
• made available 73,000 nutritious meals to women in need

Thank you for your concern and compassion for women as they work hard to overcome homelessness and secure safe and permanent homes of their own. 

You Are Helping Women Like June

June experienced homelessness for nearly two and half years before finding an apartment with Sarah’s Circle. It’s been four years, and she is thrilled with her new home and new beginnings. Now, June takes pleasure in the simple things, like cooking breakfast for herself each morning and even doing the dishes. She is currently working on her second book. June is able to enjoy her new life thanks to the generous support of individuals like you.

How Your Support Has Helped in 2019

Thanks to your generosity, Sarah's Circle has acheived the following successes through the first three quarters of 2019:

• Helped 568 women with supportive services and basic needs in all of our programs
• Transitioned 85 women from homelessness into permanent and stable housing
• Helped 33 women gain employment
• Provided a temporary home for 230 women in our Interim Housing Program
• Provided case management to 406 women in all of our programs
• Supported 149 women in Art Therapy

Building Permanent Supportive Housing and Ending Homelessness for More Women

Sarah’s Circle has been able to expand capacity to include additional housing developments via substantial, transformational grants. The agency received a $14 million grant from a national foundation, choosing to remain anonymous, to build the property, Sarah’s on Sheridan. Sarah’s on Sheridan includes 38 units of permanent supportive housing, an upgraded space for our Interim Housing Program, expanded programming space, and increased storage space. Additionally, by working with the leadership at the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) and the Foundation, $7 million in Illinois Donation Tax Credits were received and monetized, which is the basis for an additional development. Sarah’s Circle is seeking a third property to provide housing for the most vulnerable women in Chicago.