In the early 1970s, an Arlington Heights police officer had a vision.  For too many years, he had watched children in need of emergency housing spend long hours at police stations or hospitals, waiting alone and afraid to be taken to a shelter often far from their home. Believing there was a better way to help kids in crisis through no fault of their own, he envisioned caring residents of Arlington Heights voluntarily opening their homes to children facing emergencies and providing them with warm, safe housing close to their own schools, families, and friends. 

With the support of community members, the officer’s idea of community-based emergency housing was born, and Shelter, Inc. was established.

In 1975, Shelter began placing children and adolescents in volunteer foster homes. These special foster parents received no payment, yet they welcomed scared, lonely children into their homes and provided them with the love and attention lacking in their lives. 

Over the next four decades, Shelter has grown and evolved to meet the urgent needs of children and young adults throughout the Chicago metropolitan area, remaining a lifeline to the most vulnerable. Our programs include two emergency group homes, a transitional living program, foster care, a child abuse prevention program, mental health counseling, and help for young people experiencing homelessness.

Since our founding, community support has always remained at the center of our work. Together we have changed lives. Together we have saved lives. And together, we will continue to work until all children grow up in safe and loving homes.