One Chicago shelter is fighting homelessness one individual at a time and truly transforming lives. Since its inception in 1996, Lincoln Park Community Shelter's (LPCS) On Track Program has achieved unmatched results, helping over 60% of participants find employment, nearly 50% find permanent housing, and nearly 80% of program graduates remain housed for at least six months. The organization will be hosting a fundraiser on June 20, 2008, with 100 percent of proceeds going directly to their exemplary programs which include education, counseling, job placement, permanent housing assistance, and long-term follow through.

The fundraiser comes at a critical time as the nation faces economic despair and people experience difficulty in finding affordable housing. The Chicago Coalition for the Homeless reports that approximately 166,000 people encounter homelessness in the Chicago Metropolitan area in one year, with area shelters only capable of serving 22 percent of that need. There simply is not enough help available due to limited funds; in the past year alone, the waiting list for the LPCS has tripled.

"The depleting resources available for adults facing homelessness make the services of LPCS critical during times of economic hardship, such as now," says Erin Ryan, Executive Director of LPCS. "We provide people with basic needs to stabilize themselves, but what we are really offering is hope for the future. We are so fortunate to have the community's support in all of our efforts to fight homelessness."

Through the efforts of LPCS, ordinary people who fall victim to homelessness are given a second chance at financial stability. For example, Marilyn was a 14-year Information Technologist who lost her job and condo in the same year. She rapidly used up her savings and became homeless. At 53, though, Marilyn turned to LPCS and through multi-dimensional support, she went back to school full-time, soon began working part-time, and was later accepted into a subsidized housing program.

Another example is Don, who, just a few years ago, was financially devastated and struggling to stay sober. He found the courage in himself and motivation from LPCS to turn his life around. He now owns his own home and business, and leads recovery groups for current guests at the shelter.

The event, themed "The Metamorphosis Party 2008," will take place on Friday, June 20, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at Chicago Illuminating Company. It will feature DJ Mat Devine of Kill Hannah, guest hostesses from Elite models, hors d'oeuvres by Limelight Catering, an open bar, outdoor cigar lounge, live auction, and raffle. Tickets are $150 if purchased by June 6, 2008 and $175 anytime after. For more information about the event and to reserve your tickets, please visit www.events.org or e-mail Erin at ERyan@LPCSonline.org.

About Lincoln Park Community Shelter Lincoln Park Community Shelter's Interim Housing Program provides basic needs, including temporary housing and meals, for up to 35 men and women each night. The On Track Program provides intensive case management to connect guests with resources such as counseling, health care, employment services, and housing. The One on One Program, offers classes to teach important life skills such as budgeting, and provides direct financial assistance for a security deposit. Once housing is secured, participants may continue to have access to LPCS services through the Graduate Community. For more information about LPCS, visit http://www.lpcsonline.org/.