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A new transitional housing initiative is set to transform the southwest suburbs of Cicero, Illinois. BEDS Plus, a local organization dedicated to combating homelessness, is spearheading this effort by converting a former motel into a welcoming shelter.
The project boasts 55 rooms, aiming to provide temporary refuge for nearly 600 individuals striving to rebuild their lives. This transformation involves comprehensive renovations, including the installation of a modern laundry facility, a fully-equipped kitchen, and a refreshing green space. These enhancements mark just the initial steps in addressing the broader housing needs of the area.
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Tyneshia Giles, a recipient of BEDS Plus’ services, reflected on her experience, noting the overwhelming feeling of being trapped in a challenging situation. Yet, with the organization’s support, she found a way to move forward.
“Everything just felt like you’re just never going to get out of the situation that you’re in,” said Tyneshia Giles, who has used BEDS Plus.
With help, Giles made it through.
“Once I got a room here, then everything just started falling into place,” Giles said.
Giles found herself on hard times, living out of her car, when she first contacted BEDS Plus for help. After a few months in the program, she’s now happy in her own apartment.
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“They help you with housing. They even help you get the information that you need. Like, if you don’t have your ID, your birth certificate, different things like that, they’ll go through the process to help you get that,” Giles said.
Her story is one of thousands of those looking for housing support. With an $80,000 check, BEDS Plus is renovating a motel on 85th Street and Cicero Avenue into the BEDS Plus Cicero Avenue transitional shelter.
“We’ve been able to have 600 people be helped in this way. But we’re not getting close to the overall demand,” BEDS Plus CEO Tina Rounds said.
Rounds says the program will get nearly 1,000 walk-ins a month, forcing them to lean on renting hotel rooms for those in need.
“You need more program space. You want to take care and provide a dignified space for people that allows them to heal and allows them to independently operate,” Rounds said.
Now, the 55-room facility will include private accommodations for individuals, couples, families and people with disabilities. Each room includes a private bathroom, microwave, refrigerator and personal storage.
“I just thank God every single day that he brought these amazing people in my life. Because without them, I really don’t know where (I’d be),” Giles said.
BEDS Plus Cicero Avenue transitional shelter will open around December of this year.
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