Shelter, Inc.
New Home for Survivors of Human Trafficking

Palatine, IL

Project Status Update 

Construction expected to begin in Fall of 2024. Stay tuned for more information on the groundbreaking ceremony!

Owned by Shelter Inc., this new home will provide a warm and welcoming, and most importantly, safe environment for girls and young women who have escaped human trafficking. Serving the Chicagoland area, with an emphasis on the severely under-resourced counties of Cook, Kane, DuPage, McHenry, and Lake.

The DCFS-licensed CSEC home and program (Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children) will be the first of its kind in Illinois. The 12 single-bedroom house will provide a safe and nurturing environment with 24-hour therapeutic support. Housing for this often invisible and underserved population will be provided for six to 24 months. Residents will pursue educational, vocational and personal goals.

The home, fully fenced and protected by security cameras, will be built sustainably on three acres using shipping containers. This construction method is efficient and economical, and will minimize the carbon footprint by reusing metal containers. The home will be clad with siding and the lot will be beautifully landscaped.

Comprehensive support services will help build strength, self-esteem, and skills.

Services will be provided by both Shelter, Inc. and a wide network of Chicagoland social service providers with whom Shelter, Inc. has had significant and successful partnerships.

In the News:

7/16/2024 Daily Herald

8/10/2023 Journal Topics

8/9/2023 ABC News

Supporting Healing

Safe and nurturing home environment:
  • For girls and young women ages 12-18
  • Housing for six to 24 months
  • 24-hour therapeutic support

Development Partners

  • Shelter, Inc.

  • Housing Opportunity Development Corporation

  • SI Container Build, Inc.

  •  V3 Companies, Ltd.

Financing Partners

  • Department of Children and Family Services

  • Private funding through individual donors and family foundations

Floor Plans

Construction