ELIGIBILITY Eddie Washington Center accepts men who have a sincere desire and motivation to change their lifestyle. Eligibility for the program is determined through an interview with a case manager and documentation of their homelessness. Basic entry requirements include - 18 years old or older, drug and alcohol free, have at least 90 days of clean time and employable. Call (847) 244-0805 for information or to initiate the intake process.
ABOUT HOMELESSNESS The National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty estimated that in 1996, 1.2 million persons experienced homelessness. According to the 1996 U.S. Conference of Mayor’s Report, single men currently comprise approximately 45% of the homeless population, 38% are families with children, 14% are single women, and 3% are unaccompanied youths.
WHY ARE PEOPLE HOMELESS? The major trends that can be responsible for the large numbers of homeless are the lack of affordable housing, history of substance abuse, inadequate wages, mental illness and insufficient jobs . In addition low rent units are disappearing from the market, while there is constant increase of low income persons. Housing assistance programs were inadequate to meet the growing demand for assistance.
VOLUNTEERS / DONATIONS Volunteers needed—Motivational Speakers, Mentors, Mechanics, Plumbers, etc. Donations needed—hygiene items, laundering items, towels, cleaning supplies, etc. To volunteer or to donate contact (847) 244-0805.
SUPERVISOR
Patricia Jones TRUSTEES KATHERINE ROTHWELL-FRANCIS CHARLES “CHUCK” WILLMS PERCY JOHNSON JEFF MCBRIDE
Advisory Council Dr. Phil Carrigan, Chairperson Cynthia Truyillo-Vargas Paul Davis Waukegan Fire Chief Ricco Farrell Kenneth Robinson Demar Harris Lucious Minor Gerald Wilcoxon Irene Curran Brenda Sparks Jim Solum Rick Haapanen Waukegan Battalion Chief George Bridges Jr. Pastor Mark McCorley Pastor Todd Fletcher Attorney Martin Walker Cynthia Truyillo-Vargas Pastor Anthony Conley Rick Coleman Dr. Alphonso Baldwin Mrs. Ann Courtright Counselor John Rivers Moises Soto Dr. Evelyn Chenier Tameka Wilson Nina G Ezell Robins Alex Soler
EDDIE WASHINGTON CENTER 424 SOUTH AVENUE WAUKEGAN, IL 60085 (847) 244-0805
The late Milton Staben
The late Eddie Washington
Transitional Housing For Men “Making A Difference In Lake County One Life At A Time ”
EDDIE WASHINGTON CENTER HISTORY
INTRODUCTION
WHAT DOES THE EDDIE WASHINGTON CENTER OFFER?
WHAT IS THE EDDIE WASHINGTON CENTER? In 1993, Patricia Jones, Waukegan Township Supervisor and the Board of Trustees, began the unique and challenging task of renovating the historical Waukegan Fire Station building. With the renewed spirit of saving lives, many volunteers, friends, community leaders, and concerned citizens, transformed an old garage for fire trucks into a useful and much needed homeless shelter for men. The Staben Center was named in memory of Milton E. Staben (1919-1993) former Waukegan Township Supervisor and his son, Peter Staben (1944-1993). Both men dedicated their lives advocating for the r i g h t s a n d better conditions for the underprivileged in Lake County. The Staben Center has won various awards because of the uniqueness and creative ways of confronting the homeless issues in Lake County. The awards include, a 1st place winner of the 1994 Governor’s Home Town Award and the 1996 Lake County Affordable Housing Award Winner. On July 22, 2011 the Staben Center was rededicated the Eddie Washington Center for Men after the Late State Representative Eddie Washington another trailblazer and great proponent of eradicating homelessness in the State of Illinois.
Waukegan Township Eddie Washington Center provides transitional housing for single adult men who are homeless in the Lake County area.
A 6 Month Stable Housing Program
Nutritious Meals
Laundry Facility
Supportive & Trained Staff
In an effort to arrest a continued homeless condition, Eddie Washington Center attempts to confront these issues through holistic case management. This may include but not limited to monitoring daily activities, participating in work assignments, addressing daily living skills, receiving job counseling, and budget counseling. This process helps the resident align their goals with pursuing and achieving a true purpose and destiny. The Center works in partnership with other social service agencies that focus on issues identified by individual residents.
Budget Management
Relapse Prevention & Empowerment
Discharge Planning
Employment, Rental Assistance
Social Service Agency
Career Preparation Partnerships with
With the spirit of “giving back”, residents volunteer at various social service agencies and community activities (i.e. snow removal and lawn care for area senior citizens.) This process develops a strong work ethic.
In addition to Eddie Washington Center, Waukegan Township also has Staben House, a facility for homeless women with children and Park Place, a recreational facility for seniors 55 years or better.
Colleges and Vocational Programs.
Develop Work Ethics & Job Readiness
Computer Training Center
Alumni Aftercare
Life Skills Seminars
NA & AA Site
Spiritual Enrichment Seminars
Man to Man
Men’s Empowerment
Anger Management Seminars
Money Management Workshops
Alumni Support Group
Developing Goals Workshops