FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Arlington Heights, IL—December 15, 2025—Shelter Youth & Family Services held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Illinois’ one-of-a-kind DCFS-licensed home dedicated to female youth survivors (ages 12–18) of commercial sexual exploitation on Monday, December 15, marking a major milestone for the state’s efforts to protect and support children.
“Today’s milestone reflects what is possible when a vision, leadership, and community come together to protect the most vulnerable children,” Lindsay Tintera, Shelter Board President states. She continues, “As Board President, I am deeply proud that Shelter is leading the way with Illinois’ one-of-a-kind DCFS-licensed home for youth survivors of trafficking. This home will offer safety, healing, and opportunity to young people who have endured unimaginable trauma, and it embodies our unwavering belief that every child deserves care, protection, and a chance to thrive.”
“This new home is a beacon of hope for young survivors of human trafficking in Illinois,” said IL DCFS Director, Heidi E. Mueller. “Every child deserves a safe place to heal, grow, and rebuild their lives, and we are proud to support Shelter Youth & Family Services in providing the specialized care and stability these youth need to thrive.”
Human trafficking occurs every day across Illinois for children whose average age is 14, and youth exiting the commercial sex trafficking industry require specialized trauma-informed care. Shelter’s new northwest suburban residence provides safe, stable housing and specialized, trauma-informed care tailored to survivors’ recovery needs. Residents will receive comprehensive support, including case management and skill-building services designed to promote healing, independence, and long-term stability.
Shelter Youth & Family Services’ CEO, Carina H. Santa Maria, reflected on seeing her long-time vision come to fruition, “The opening of this new home marks an incredibly important milestone for Illinois and for the vulnerable children who will now have access to the specialized care they desperately need. These young survivors deserve a safe space where they can heal, rebuild their lives, and find hope for the future. I am so proud to be a part of this project and to partner with those who share Shelter’s mission that every child receives the protection and support they need to thrive.”
The 12-bedroom home was developed in partnership with Housing Opportunity and Development Corporation (HODC) and Buffalo Grove’s S.I. Container Builds, Inc., with financial support from Illinois Department of Children & Family Services, the Foglia Family Foundation, the Canning Foundation, the Fitzgerald Family Foundation, Endeavor Health Community Investment Fund, and the Chicago Bears. Shelter expects to welcome the first residents in early 2026.
The home was constructed utilizing shipping containers, an environmentally friendly construction method that is efficient, economical, and minimizes Shelter’s carbon footprint.
The ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by Shelter Youth & Family Services CEO, Carina H. Santa Maria, and staff; S.I. Container Builds Founder and CEO, Rory Rubin; HODC Executive Director, Richard Koenig; DCFS Chief Deputy Director, Child & Clinical Services, Keith Polan; DCFS Director, Heidi Mueller; Celine and Denise Fitzgerald, Vincent Foglia, John and Rita Canning, IL State Senator, Mark Walker; IL State Representatives, Mary Beth Canty, Nicolle Grasse, and Michelle Mussman; Palatine Mayor, Jim Schwantz; Palatine Chief of Police, William Nord; Arlington Heights Mayor, Jim Tinaglia; Elk Grove Township Trustee, Monika Stajniak; Wheeling Township Trustee, Sheri Williams; Wheeling Township Supervisor, Maria Zeller Brauer; Arlington Heights Village Trustees, Wendy Dunnington, Colin Gilbert, and Greg Zyck; Chief of Staff to Cook County Commissioner, Ted Mason; District Director of the Office of State Representative Nabela Syed, Pooja Rai; and many others.
For inquiries, contact Shelter Youth & Family Services Director, Marketing & Communications, Christine Roerig, at croerig@shelter-inc.org
About Shelter Youth & Family Services
Founded in 1975, Shelter is a Chicagoland leader in delivering emotional and physical care to youth in crisis. Shelter provides emergency housing, transitional living, foster care, home visiting, and clinical support services. Shelter is the only agency in Illinois offering such a comprehensive, community-based continuum of care for at-risk children and families. Learn more at www.shelter-inc.org.
About HODC
Housing Opportunity Development Corporation (HODC) is a community-based nonprofit developer of affordable housing. Founded in 1983 by local community leaders who were inspired by Martin Luther King Jr’s impact on fair housing, HODC works primarily in Chicago’s northern suburbs where affordable housing options remain scarce. https://hodc.org/
About S.I. Container Builds, Inc.
S.I. Container Builds, Inc. (SICBS) strives to make a positive impact on the living conditions of our communities and the wellness of our planet by offering innovative solutions that are driven by quality to combat the housing crisis and update traditional ways of construction. www.sicontainerbuilds.com/
# # #
