Charity spotlight: Home of the Sparrow works to end homelessness, help victims of domestic violence

Home of the Sparrow provides transitional shelter, affordable housing, rapid rehousing and support services to women and their children in need, most of whom have experienced domestic violence.

Based in McHenry, Home of the Sparrow operates thrift stores in Algonquin, Mundelein, Arlington Heights, Palatine, Cary, Third Lake, McHenry and Woodstock to help raise funds for their services.

For details, visit www.hosparrow.org.

We contacted Debbie DeGraw, vice president for Marketing/PR and Development at Home of the Sparrow Inc., for more information.

Q. Can you give us a general overview of what Home of the Sparrow does?

A. For more than 30 years, Home of the Sparrow (HOS) has provided safe shelter, stable housing and supportive services to homeless and imminently homeless individuals and families.

The organization's mission “to provide Hope, Opportunity, and Support that empower women and their children as they journey from homelessness to self-sufficiency” is accomplished through effective and varied programs offering transitional living, permanent housing placement, homelessness prevention and diversion, and individualized case management.

In fiscal year 2019, HOS served 980 individuals through its intake, housing, and outreach programs.

HOS's shelter, housing programs and diversion services address the most critical needs of northern Illinois's homeless population, relying on an effective combination of transitional living, rental assistance and supportive services tailored to each individual and family's unique situation.

Current programs include the Transitional Shelter; three-unit Subsidized Apartments; 25-unit, scattered-site Affordable Housing; three Rapid Rehousing programs, including two specifically serving victims and survivors of domestic violence; a Shelter/Rapid Rehousing hybrid program; Tenant-Based Rental Assistance program; and Outreach & Prevention homelessness diversion initiative.

All HOS programs are supported by individualized case management services.

HOS is an established member of the human services community in northern Illinois. HOS is an active member of the McHenry County Continuum of Care to End Homelessness, a network of providers committed to collaboration, non-duplication of services, and identification of service gaps.

HOS works closely with in-county providers such as Pioneer Center PADS, TLS Veterans, Turning Point (domestic violence shelter) and out-of-county providers such as Elgin PADS, WINGS (Palatine) and others.

In fiscal year 2019, more than one-third (38 percent) of clients served by HOS's housing, intake and outreach programs originated from outside McHenry County; the majority of out-of-county clients originated from Kane County, followed by Cook County, with clients from Lake, Will, DuPage and Winnebago counties also served.

Q. How long has Home of the Sparrow been active?

A. Home of the Sparrow has been providing services since 1986; incorporated as a 501(c) (3) in 1987.

Q. How was it founded?

A. In response to a growing need for assistance for women who were homeless in McHenry County, a group of patrons from local churches and individuals resulted in the establishment of the McHenry County Interfaith Shelter Program, which later became Home of the Sparrow. In December 1986, Home of the Sparrow opened its first shelter home in McHenry.

Q. How does Home of the Sparrow help people and the community?

A. Home of the Sparrow is a great community partner by providing resources, shelter, housing and supportive services to homeless women and children. The agency also provides low-cost goods through its thrift stores and donates vouchers to other agencies to help their clients. The thrift stores have become a social gathering spot for seniors to meet new people while doing something that benefits the community. The agency is a collaborative partner and works closely with other agencies to ensure people in need are directed or receive the services they require to gain independent living. The agency also interacts heavily with companies to provide a nurturing understanding of homelessness through volunteering. Many companies inspire their staff to become involved and have chosen Home of the Sparrow in which to do volunteer work. On average, Home of the Sparrow utilizes over 1,000 volunteers yearly, deflecting over $1.4 million in expenses from the agency.

Q. Tell us the story of someone who was helped by your organization.

A. Caitlyn reached out to Home of the Sparrow in need of housing due to experiencing domestic violence in her home and needing to flee. When she reached out to Home of the Sparrow, she was residing in a hotel. While residing at the hotel during the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus she was asked to leave because they needed all the hotel rooms to house front-line workers for COVID-19. Having nowhere else to go, she ended up living in her vehicle. This caused a lot of stress and anxiety for her. After contacting Home of the Sparrow, staff responded quickly and provided her with resources, including hotel vouchers, and got her housed into an apartment within a week and a half after contacting Home of the Sparrow. Caitlyn is now safe and happy in her own apartment and reports being very thankful for Home of the Sparrow and the staff that supported her during this time of need. She now has her own apartment that gives her a safe place away from her abuser and a safe place to rebuild her life.

Q. How has the COVID-19 situation affected your operations?

A. COVID-19 has impacted every facet of our agency. We had to postpone two of our biggest fundraisers until the fall, as well as having our eight Sparrow's Thrift Store and Donation Centers closed due to the stay at home order. This has financially impacted our operations. Only essential services and essential staff remain.

Q. What's the biggest challenge you're currently facing?

A. The biggest challenge we are facing is making sure Home of the Sparrow survives the COVID-19 situation and looking at ways to restructure our organization to be able to provide the level of services needed moving forward. It is expected that there will be an increased need for our services due to the high unemployment rates, while at the same time revenue has been impacted and operational staff have been laid off.

Q. While your thrift stores are currently closed, what can shoppers expect to find there when they are able to reopen?

A. Shoppers and donors who visit any of our eight locations - seven under the banner of Sparrow's Nest Thrift Store and Donation Centers, one under the banner of Community Threads - can expect to find friendly volunteers and staff excited that they have been able to finally reunite with everyone. Our resale “Community Centers” have outstanding selections of clothing, shoes, housewares, home decor, furniture, jewelry, and lots more. We expect an onslaught of new and unique treasures to arrive daily at our stores due to people being at home and decluttering. While at the checkout, they can register for our Loyalty Rewards program. All they need is their cellphone number to start earning rewards and receive information on upcoming specials. We welcome you to shop and donate often!

Q. What fundraising events and activities do you usually hold? Are there any that are still being planned down the line?

A. We host three major fundraisers. April would have been our largest event, our Annual Homeless Benefit Gala, and May would be our Celebration of Women Event. Our Annual Golf Outing is scheduled for September. We have pushed the Homeless Benefit and the Celebration of Women Luncheon to August and October. Check our website frequently and like us on Facebook.

Q. How can people help Home of the Sparrow, both now and when the current crisis is over?

A. Right now we are in need of financial support to keep our agency doors open. As we look forward, we will need office space. If anyone has a 5,0000 or greater square foot space they would donate to Home of the Sparrow located in McHenry County, we want to hear from you. We will be in need of volunteers for our thrift stores, office support, yard and maintenance help at our housing units, event volunteers, child mentors. We will need shoppers, event attendees, event sponsors and (especially) donations. Share information on how to help Home of the Sparrow with people you know.

How you can help Home of the Sparrow

Monetary donations: You can make a donation

online; by phone, (815) 271-5444; or by mail: 4209 W. Shamrock Unit B, McHenry, IL 60050.Sponsorships and corporate partnerships: Companies may become sponsors of benefits, fundraisers and other popular events. Customized sponsorship opportunities are available. For details, see the

website.Sparrow's Nest Thrift Stores: When you shop at or donate to any one of the Sparrow's Nest Thrift Stores, you have the satisfaction of knowing your proceeds are supporting Home of the Sparrow programs and services. You are helping homeless women and children achieve self-sufficiency. Note, stores are currently closed due to the pandemic and are not accepting donations at this time.Ebay store: Although stores are closed, Sparrow's Nest Resale is selling items online; take a look at the

eBay listings.In-kind gifts: Donate company services, products or any item from HOS's online

wish list.Legacies, memorials and tribute gifts: Leave a legacy by remembering Home of the Sparrow in your will, estate plan or other long-range financial arrangement. Or honor a loved one in sympathy or as a living memorial, celebrate accomplishments or draw attention to special occasions such as birthdays, bat/bar mitzvahs, anniversaries, weddings, Mother's Day, graduations, etc.Social media: Social fundraising is one of the easiest way to support your favorite charity. Promote HOS through your Facebook page and other social media outlets.Volunteer: Donation of time is a very valuable asset. To see what opportunities are available, visit the

website.Payroll deduction plans: Ask your employer if you can contribute through a payroll deduction plan. Some employers offer corporate matching gifts.Donate your vehicle: Home of the Sparrow can take your car, truck, boat or motorcycle — working or not. Pickup is free and

donations are tax deductible.Housing: Home of the Sparrow is always in need of housing. You can donate land, housing or offer rental opportunities.