McHenry, IL… In an effort to provide information to the residents and businesses of the McHenry area, State Senator Craig Wilcox (R-McHenry), the City of McHenry and Pioneer
Center invite the public to attend one of two open meetings January 16 to learn more about Pioneer Center’s plan to expand their services to the homeless in McHenry.
At these meetings, attendees will learn more about the newly formed partnership between Pioneer Center and the Chapel of McHenry to establish a homeless shelter at the Chapel. The City of McHenry has approved the planning and zoning changes to accommodate this partnership.
Pioneer has served the homeless at their PADS emergency shelter in Woodstock, but due to space limitations has not been able provide the necessary shelter beds every single day of the year. The McHenry Chapel has offered part of their building space to help meet the shelter capacity need of the community.
In an effort to help fund this project, Pioneer Center has applied for a $50,000 grant facilitated by the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity.
Sen. Wilcox, who suggested that Pioneer Center and the City of McHenry host these meetings, will also be present to answer grant-related questions.
“The lack of services available to the homeless population in our community is an unfortunate reality, and I support the efforts of Pioneer Center to expand their services,” said Wilcox.
“However, it is also important that we provide an opportunity to the people of the community to come and learn about this possible expansion.”
“For years, those in our community that understand and studied the reality of homelessness, have consistently stated there is a critical need to expand the emergency shelter bed capacity
in our community on a 24/7 year round basis,” said Sam Tenuto, Co-CEO of Pioneer Center for Human Services. “We are thrilled that the McHenry Chapel has risen to the occasion by offering a part of their building. We also are looking forward to speaking with members of the community about our plans, and hearing any concerns they might have.”
The two meetings will take place Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at Pioneer Center (4031 Dayton St., McHenry). The first meeting will be held at 2 p.m. followed by a second meeting at 6
p.m.
See the letter to the community here: Pioneer-Chapel Shelter Letter to the Community
