Evanston Nonprofit Provides Overnight Shelter, Resources for Homeless

Interfaith Action of Evanston operates a network of rotating overnight shelters and a morning hospitality center to assist those without housing.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The frigid winter of 2025-26 has been especially challenging for those experiencing homelessness in the Chicago area. In Evanston, the nonprofit Interfaith Action of Evanston provides a range of services to assist the local homeless population, including operating overnight shelters at eight houses of worship and running a morning hospitality center. Despite capacity limits, the organization continues its outreach efforts to build relationships and provide positive reinforcement to those struggling with homelessness.

Why it matters

Evanston's homeless population faces significant hardship during the brutal winter months, and organizations like Interfaith Action play a crucial role in providing shelter, resources, and community support to this vulnerable population. The nonprofit's long history and evolving services demonstrate the ongoing need and community commitment to addressing homelessness in the region.

The details

Interfaith Action of Evanston operates a network of overnight shelters that rotate between eight local houses of worship, providing up to 30 beds total. The organization also runs a morning hospitality center at St. Mark's Church that offers activities, computer access, and other services. Despite their efforts, the organization has had to turn some people away due to capacity limits during the recent extreme cold snap. Interfaith Action operates on an annual budget of $550,000 and is staffed by one full-time employee, six part-time workers, and many volunteers.

  • The frigid winter of 2025-26 lasted from January 16 through February 4, with temperatures failing to rise above freezing.
  • On some nights during this period, the temperature sank to around -10 degrees Fahrenheit.

The players

Interfaith Action of Evanston

A 70-year-old nonprofit organization that provides a range of services to assist the homeless population in Evanston, including operating overnight shelters and a morning hospitality center.

Sue Murphy

The executive director of Interfaith Action of Evanston, who has been with the organization for 28 years.

Isaac Iles

A volunteer at Interfaith Action who works in the computer room, helping clients with tasks like creating resumes and checking email.

Jernone Smith

The assistant program manager at Interfaith Action who created an initiative to provide simple cell phones to clients to help them stay in touch with friends, family, and potential employers.

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What they’re saying

“Our mission is to serve people who are hungry and homeless and to be advocates for them.”

— Sue Murphy, Executive Director, Interfaith Action of Evanston (Chicago Tribune)

“It's so sad. We put them on a waiting list, but we only have 30 beds.”

— Sue Murphy, Executive Director, Interfaith Action of Evanston (Chicago Tribune)

“Our goal is to build relationships with people who are struggling with homelessness and to be a place where they receive positive reinforcement.”

— Sue Murphy, Executive Director, Interfaith Action of Evanston (Chicago Tribune)

“They get a job, they find housing, and we never see them again. That's the best-case scenario.”

— Isaac Iles, Volunteer, Interfaith Action of Evanston (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

Interfaith Action of Evanston plans to continue its efforts to provide shelter, resources, and community support to the homeless population in Evanston throughout the winter and beyond.

The takeaway

Interfaith Action of Evanston's long-standing commitment to assisting the homeless, even in the face of capacity challenges during extreme weather, demonstrates the vital role that community-based organizations can play in supporting vulnerable populations and addressing the complex issue of homelessness.