Lazarus House Begins Interior Construction

ST. CHARLES, Ill. (March 15, 2019) – Lazarus House, a provider of emergency shelter, transitional living, food and other assistance, recently announced plans to raise $1.7 million to complete the purchase of the entire building at 214 Walnut Street, in St. Charles, and to rehab that building to house its current programs under one roof. With $1.5 million in contributions already committed, Lazarus House has begun interior construction of the Women & Children’s Day Center and administrative offices, as well as improvements to existing facilities.

Today, the Lazarus House Emergency Shelter and Center for Transitional Living occupy the upper stories of 214 Walnut Street, with the Women & Children’s Day Center and administrative offices in separate buildings.

“Reaching the capital campaign goal of $1.7 million will allow us to move all of our program offerings into one building, which will help keep families together and add much-needed operational efficiency,” said Leanne Deister-Goodwin, executive director, Lazarus House.

“We are thrilled that people and organizations from St. Charles and surrounding communities have dug deep to help the guests served by Lazarus House,” said John Mason, co-chair of the Lazarus House Capital Campaign Committee. “They’ve gone beyond their usual contributions toward ongoing operational expenses and are investing in critical facilities upgrades that will help Lazarus improve programs and better serve some of the most vulnerable members of our community.”

Deister-Goodwin said, “We sincerely thank everyone who’s already given. And now we ask members of our community who haven’t contributed to give what you can so we can finish implementing these important improvements.”

Lazarus House

The mission of Lazarus House is to offer guests connected to its communities, who are homeless or in need, hope for the future by providing hospitality, food, safe shelter and education – tools for life. Its services include emergency shelter, its food-only program, the Women & Children’s Day Center, Center for Transitional Living, a referral line, and outreach program to provide assistance with rent/mortgage and utilities.