La Grange Domestic Violence Shelter Opens After Recent Renovation – NBC Chicago

Constance Morris House: A Safe Haven for Domestic Violence SurvivorsConstance Morris House: A Safe Haven for Domestic Violence Survivors A newly renovated domestic violence shelter in La Grange, Constance Morris House, will officially reopen this week, marking a significant milestone for the nonprofit Pillars Community Health. For the first time, the organization has announced the location of the shelter, a bold move aimed at removing the stigma surrounding domestic violence and making it easier for victims to seek help. Located at 327 Bluff Avenue in La Grange, Constance Morris House has undergone a complete renovation, the first since the 1970s. The goal, according to Kim Stephens, Vice President of Domestic and Sexual Violence Services at Pillars Community Health, was to create an environment conducive to healing. The former building’s dormitories and communal bathrooms presented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing the shelter to operate out of hotel rooms. However, the renovation allowed for the creation of 11 rooms, some adjoining, providing space for up to 44 domestic violence survivors and their children. Pillars Community Health has also implemented a new policy of publicly sharing the shelter’s address. Angela Curran, President and CEO of the organization, believes this step is crucial in reducing the stigma that often prevents victims from reaching out for help. “If we can let go of the stigma, bring it out of the shadows, there is help,” Curran emphasized. “It’s nothing to be ashamed of.” Constance Morris House stands as the only emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence in the western and southwestern suburbs of Chicago, with the nearest overnight shelters located miles away. The shelter provides a safe haven for survivors 365 days a year, offering 24-hour access to confidential case management, intake services, and referrals to other appropriate settings. The shelter’s renovation was made possible through federal grant money secured by Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García and former House Representative Jim Durkin, as well as contributions from the Department of Health and Human Services, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the Hinsdale Junior Women’s Club, and The Hope Chest. For survivors in crisis, Pillars Community Health operates a 24-hour confidential domestic violence hotline at 708-485-5254. Additionally, the National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

A newly renovated domestic violence shelter in La Grange will reopen this week, and for the first time, the nonprofit that operates the shelter is announcing the location.

Constance Morris House, located at 327 Bluff Avenue in La Grange, is operated by Pillars Community Health and has recently been renovated for the first time since the 1970s.

“We wanted to make sure this environment was conducive to healing,” said Kim Stephens, Vice President of Domestic and Sexual Violence Services at Pillars Community Health.

The former building had dormitories and communal bathrooms, which made isolating during the coronavirus pandemic difficult, forcing PCH to run the shelter out of hotel rooms. On the bright side, they were able to do a major renovation of the facility.

“The rooms are small, but they have their own bathrooms, so there are no communal bathrooms, which is great,” said Angela Curran, President & CEO at Pillars Community Health.

The renovated facility consists of 11 rooms, some adjoining, and can accommodate up to 44 domestic violence survivors and their children, allowing PCH to meet increased demand for services.

“Every day our hotline rings constantly. And we offer so many services, not just shelter, legal and medical advocacy, therapy, case management,” Stephens said.

Along with the brand new facilities, a new policy to publicly share the shelter address to help remove the stigma that can keep victims from seeking help.

“If we can let go of the stigma, bring it out of the shadows, there is help. There is help. It’s nothing to be ashamed of,” Stephens said.

One of the reasons PCH wants to highlight the La Grange facility is because it is the only emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence in the western and southwestern suburbs. PCH says the nearest overnight shelters are about 10 miles east or west and 20 miles north or south.

“In this area of ​​Cook County, we are the safe haven,” Curran said.

Safety is a priority. Constance Morris House is now protected by a security system with more than a dozen cameras, 24/7 surveillance, and community support.

“There is strength in numbers. And we know that if people here know we are here, they will pay attention to us,” Stephens said.

Federal grant money secured by Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García and former House Representative Jim Durkin, along with contributions from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHS), the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the Hinsdale Junior Women’s Club and The Hope Chest helped help pay the costs of the renovation.

The shelter is open to survivors 365 days a year.

“They call the hotline and we provide direct case management over the phone. If someone comes, we receive them. We do an intake and if we determine that it is not the right setting for them, we find a suitable setting for them,” Stephens said.

If you or a loved one is in crisis, Pillars Community Health’s 24-hour confidential domestic violence hotline is available at 708-485-5254.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)