The Salvation Army Shield of Hope

• 
• 
• 
• 

Project description: Antunovich Associates and The Salvation Army have collaborated on the planning and construction of a new transitional shelter/emergency assessment and response center – Shield of Hope – for a 37,102 square foot (0.85 acres) site at the north end of Christiana Avenue, across the street from the completed Freedom Center. The Center assists City residents in need of shelter. The Salvation Army will aid individuals and families in need by providing access to a large range of resources fromshelter, food, clothing and other more serious issues. The Center will provide short-term shelter for families in need, and programs at the adjacent Harbor Light facility will assist the clients served at the new Shield of Hope center.

The Center provides sleeping rooms that accommodate up to four of six beds per room, with a total capacity of approximately 75 beds. Sufficient areas will allow for cribs and seating areas within the resident rooms has been provided. Connectivity from room to room has also been incorporated into the room design to accommodate larger groups/families. The resident rooms are located on the upper level of the new Center (floor two). The first floor houses administrative offices, a reception area, an intake suite, warming kitchen, dining room, and a multi-purpose room. The multi-purpose room serves as an overflow sleeping area for as many as 50 to 75 additional residents. The balance of the first floor contains areas for laundry, restroom/showers, and other various support/utility areas.

In addition to the construction of the +/- 20,000 square foot Assessment Center, the L-shaped site has been fully developed to include landscape elements mandated by the City of Chicago, parking for approximately 22 vehicles, security fencing, and other site amenities.

The exterior design of the Assessment Center is contextual with the surrounding residential buildings and is clad with precast panels inlaid with brick and stone – finishes very similar to those on the completed Freedom Center. Shield of Hope continues to revitalize the burgeoning neighborhood begun by the completion of The Freedom Center.