Dozens of men on Chicago's North Side will have something to be thankful for this winter. Edgewater's only emergency homeless shelter, which was scheduled to close December 1, will remain open for the rest of the year.
The REST Warming Shelter, which hosts 65 beds, lost its lease at Epworth United Methodist Church (5253 N. Kenmore) in October but will be allowed to stay for the rest of the month.
"There were 65 happy guys Monday night," REST board president Michael O'Hara told the Chicago Tribune, referring to the night the church relented. "When we made the announcement, it was like the Cubs had won the World Series."
REST has operated the shelter for the past 29 years, and officials were concerned about the men who have come to rely on them.
"The fact of the matter is these men are from the North Side," said Kathleen Ahler, REST executive director, to the Sun-Times. "I'm most concerned that this time of the year,in this kind of weather, someone is going to die."
The shelter will move to Ebenezer Lutheran Church, a mile west at 1650 W Foster Ave, until May 1.
The new home is only a temporary solution, so REST will have to continue searching for a new permanent home. However, REST officials are still thankful.
"It's a very happy short-term conclusion," said O'Hara. "We're elated."
