Shelter Opens On West Side For At-Risk Moms
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Some at-risk young moms and their children now have a new place to call home on Chicago's West Side.
There was a ribbon-cutting and tours of the brand new bright 4 story building that sits at the corner of Chicago and Lorel in Austin where a police station once sat.
Shelter Opens For At-Risk Moms
On Friday, 40 moms and their 50 children will move into the building owned by the non-profit group New Moms.
President and CEO Audalee McLoughlin says that's a fraction of young mothers in Chicago who need a place to live.
"We received 2,500 applications for 17 units that we had available," said McLoughlin.
One of those who got in is Debra.
Her 4 month-old daughter slept as the 20 year-old got a glimpse of one of the new one bedroom or studio apartments.
"It was nice. I love it. I am happy that I don't have to be homeless anymore . I will never be homeless again," said Debra.
The women will pay 30 percent of their income in rent and receive services like career counseling, job training and parenting classes with the goal that they move on to self-sufficiency in two years.
State and City funds helped pay for the $12 million facility.
