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The Haven on Lincoln is a transformational redevelopment project for Cornerstone Community Outreach in partnership with the Chicago Department of Housing and Department of Family & Support Services, that will create dignified, non-congregate transitional housing for individuals experiencing homelessness in Chicago.

Located at 5230 N. Lincoln Avenue, the Haven on Lincoln is the adaptive reuse of the former Diplomat Motel into a purpose-built environment designed for stabilization, healing, and transition to permanent housing. The project reflects Cornerstone’s commitment to housing as a human right and to creating spaces that are safe, calming, and supportive of long-term stability.

A Response to a Growing Need

Many individuals experiencing homelessness face complex medical, behavioral health, or age-related challenges that are difficult to address in traditional congregate shelter settings. The Haven on Lincoln responds to this need by providing private rooms and trauma-responsive design, allowing residents to rest, recover, and engage in services with dignity and privacy, on their path to permanent housing.

The Vision

The Haven on Lincoln is designed to feel like a place of refuge and renewal, not an institution. The project prioritizes:

• Private, non-congregate living spaces
• Thoughtful, calming design that supports recovery and wellbeing
• Purposeful common areas for connection and services
• Accessibility and safety throughout the building

Every element of the design supports stabilization and prepares residents for their next step toward permanent housing.

Integrated Care and Support

The Haven on Lincoln is part of Cornerstone’s broader system of care, strengthening the connection between healthcare and housing. The project is designed to support coordinated medical and behavioral health services and aligns with Cornerstone’s work to expand medical care and medical respite capacity. This integrated approach helps residents address underlying health and stability challenges while preparing for housing placement.

Project Status

The Haven on Lincoln is currently in active development, supported by public investment and philanthropic partnership. Planning and design are focused on ensuring the building meets modern standards for accessibility, safety, and long-term sustainability while remaining responsive to the needs of the people it will serve.

Part of a Larger Commitment and Community

The Haven on Lincoln is one of several major redevelopment initiatives advancing Cornerstone’s mission to end homelessness for each person we serve. Together, these projects reflect a shift toward non-congregate, person-centered environments that honor dignity, promote health, and create real pathways home.

Equally important, the Haven on Lincoln is embedded within a network of community partnerships that help ensure residents’ needs are met during their stay and beyond. Cornerstone works closely with healthcare providers, behavioral health partners, housing agencies, and community-based organizations to connect residents with medical care, mental health support, benefits, and permanent housing opportunities. These partnerships strengthen continuity of care, expand access to services, and support each resident’s progress toward stability and independence.

By combining purpose-built space with coordinated community support, the Haven on Lincoln is designed not only to provide shelter, but to serve as a bridge to long-term housing, health, and connection within the broader Chicago community..

Next Steps

As development continues, Cornerstone is engaging partners and supporters who share a commitment to dignified, person-centered housing and care. Support from the community helps advance planning, readiness, and long-term sustainability, ensuring the Haven on Lincoln can fully meet the needs of the individuals it will serve.

Supporters can get involved by:

• Learning more about Cornerstone’s redevelopment initiatives
• Exploring partnership opportunities that strengthen care, housing pathways, and community connection
• Making a contribution to support housing, care, and operational readiness. Click on the Donate button and mention the Haven in your memo!
• Contact the Executive Director for more info at awinter@ccolife.org

Together, we can help create a place of stability and possibility for individuals working toward a permanent home.

The Haven on Lincoln is moving from vision to reality, and there are meaningful ways to be part of this work.

Project Supporters

Alderman Vasquez -40th Ward
Chicago Department of Family & Support Services
Chicago Department of Housing
Chicago Department of Public Health
Illinois Public Health Institute
Trilogy
Thresholds
ONE Northside
Swedish Endeavor Hospital
Chicago Funders Together to End Homelessness
and individual residents of the 40th Ward

This past month, Cornerstone’s Cafeteria had its grand reopening!

After two months of nonstop construction, Cornerstone’s cafeteria has emerged from the dust better than ever before. With the hard work and financial support of Republic Services and Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago, we were able to elevate our cafeteria in a major way. See the photos below for a before and after!

At Cornerstone, we know that for homelessness affects so much more than just where you sleep at night. For many, homelessness comes with overwhelming feelings of powerlessness and inadequacy, and many people feel or are possibly even told that they are less worthy of good things. We at Cornerstone believe that every single one of our clients is worthy of experiencing good and beautiful things, and one of the ways we want to recognize that is by striving to make their cafeteria experience a dignifying one. 

We aren’t stopping here, either. Our Dining With Dignity program includes upgrading our furniture, flooring, lighting, and sound ambiance in order to make this the best dining experience possible for our clients. Donate to Cornerstone Community Outreach to support this vision!

We’re proud to share Cornerstone Community Outreach’s Annual Report, highlighting the impact we made together over the past year. From families finding permanent housing to individuals receiving critical care and support, each story reflects our mission in action. We invite you to take a moment to explore the report and see how your support is changing lives every day.

2024 Annual Report by Ellen Raedeke

Click here to view the 2024 Annual Report