Shelter Opening and Operations Notice

Please be aware that the seasonal overnight shelter at this location will not open until December 15th.

Also, note that the First United Methodist Church of Elgin is a host location only for the shelter program. The church staff and leadership have no involvement in the daily operation, the management of guests, or the decisions regarding who is able to stay at the shelter.

For all questions regarding eligibility, reservations, or specific operational details, please contact Alex Madrid from One Collective via email @ Alex.Madrid@onecollective.org

2025 - 2026 Winter Warming Shelter @ First UMC Elgin
Open December 15, 2025, through March 31, 2026
to Elgin residents ONLY
8:00 pm to 7:00 am (regardless of temperature)*
(*At the discretion of the City of Elgin, the shelter may close if forecasted temperatures do not meet minimum criteria)

If you have any questions, please contact Alex Madrid via email @ Alex.Madrid@onecollective.org

 

 

2025 - 2026 Winter Shelter Admittance Policy

For an individual to be admitted to and use the shelter, they must:

  • Have an ROI for the Casework Command Center that is signed by a caseworker (1) and,
  • be able to demonstrate proof of residency in Elgin for at least one (1) year (3) and,
  • lives in a place not meant for human habitation, a safe haven, or an emergency shelter.

Individuals who came to the winter shelter last year and have stayed in Elgin since must either have an ID issued before September 30, 2025, and/or be able to demonstrate evidence of homelessness. (3)

  1. If an individual refuses to sign an ROI, they will not be allowed into the shelter unless a physician or mental health staff member from a partnering agency of the Casework Command Center has declared them incompetent and is able to provide verification of such a declaration.
  2. Forms of Identification must be dated on or before September 12th, 2025.
  3. Evidence of Homelessness Status (Written observation by an outreach or intake worker of encounters with the individual that includes a description of the conditions where the individual was living or is currently living)