Cicero Avenue Transitional Shelter (CATS) Press

Adaptive reuse to provide critical housing

We are excited to share that the Cicero Avenue Transitional Shelter received some press attention recently! The project was featured on CBS News and in Block Club.

Thanks to funding assistance from the Illinois Housing Development Authority and Cook County, this collaboration with BEDS+ is moving forward to convert the former Aloha Motel in Chicago into a fixed site transitional shelter. The renovation will transform existing motel rooms, offices, and support spaces. The shelter will include 80 beds and host up to 90 residents at a time, serving individuals and families.

Additional common space will be added through a small addition to the existing building and include a new lobby area, clinical space, business center, and a large welcoming serving kitchen and dining room/meeting space for residents. A small one-story building will be added for staff and resident laundry along with building storage.

Transitional shelter housing is a much-needed bridge between traditional short-term shelters and permanent supportive housing. WJW has been proud to partner with BEDS+ on the full spectrum of housing, healthcare, and service options for our unhoused community members.