WINGS Program, Inc. Provides One Million Nights of Safe Housing

WINGS Program, Inc. Provides One Million Nights of Safe Housing

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – On the evening of September 8^th, 2021, WINGS reached the milestone of providing the agency’s one millionth night of safe housing and shelter to domestic violence survivors.

For more than 36 years, WINGS has provided housing, integrated services, education and advocacy to end domestic violence.

One of the largest providers of domestic violence services in Illinois, at any given time WINGS is providing safe housing and shelter to approximately 300 women, men and children across the Chicagoland area recovering from the trauma of domestic violence.

“As we reflect on this milestone, we feel extremely grateful to our community of compassionate staff, donors and volunteers who have remained by our sides through this incredibly challenging pandemic.

To be able to celebrate this achievement during a time filled with so much uncertainty is a true testament to the hard work of WINGS staff,” Rebecca Darr, WINGS President & CEO shares.

In 1985, WINGS began by providing transitional housing and support services. As a result of the increased demand for emergency shelter, WINGS opened a Suburban Safe House in 2005 in the northwest suburbs of Chicago and WINGS Metro in 2016 in the southwest side of Chicago.

This year in collaboration with Apna Ghar, WINGS secured 100 Rapid Rehousing units citywide and 10 units through a partnership with Northwest Compass to address the increased need for domestic violence shelters.

In fiscal year 2021 WINGS provided 756 survivors with 64,986 nights of emergency, transitional, permanent supportive and Rapid Rehousing along with individualized services. WINGS accommodates males over 13 years old and transgender individuals.

“To me, one million nights of housing represents the journeys of thousands of resilient individuals who persevered.

Empowered by our supporters, WINGS is able to provide adult and child survivors with critical shelter, emotional support and holistic assistance to create a plan for independence, safety and stability.” Darr says.

Anyone experiencing domestic violence can receive help by calling the 24-hour hotline at 847.221.5680.

Those interested in exploring ways to assist WINGS mission are welcome to visit: 

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The mission of WINGS Program, Inc. is to provide housing, integrated services, education and advocacy to end domestic violence. Refined over 36 years of service, WINGS has continually produced successful outcomes working toward the vision of creating a society where every survivor has a voice and the resources to break the cycle of domestic violence.