Finding Solutions for Homelessness
At Lazarus House, we are working together to offer hope and a future.
Our mission is to offer guests connected to our communities who are homeless or in need hope for the future by providing hospitality, food, safe shelter and education — tools for life. We strive to make certain that all who enter feel the love of Jesus.
We believe that everyone here is a gift from God, and we are here to help those who need assistance. We work together with many social service agencies, a large and wonderful network of volunteers and donors, and a range of federal, state and community resources.
Our goals are to:
- Offer services and referrals to help those in need in our community, to prevent homelessness, and to support the wellbeing of individuals and their families.
- Help homeless persons return to independent living with the skills and habits needed for long-term success.
How We Help People in Need
In fiscal year 2023, the Lazarus House Emergency Shelter and Center for Transitional Living programs provided:
- Care for 147 individuals – including 19 children, 49 women and 79 men – averaging 37 people per night
- 13,645 nights of shelter
- 41,000 nourishing meals, some to our Guests and some to people in need in the community
Last year, of the Guests who arrive at Lazarus House with specific needs, we are able to make sure:
- 92% have actively engaged in weekly, in-depth case management
- 84% have engaged in meaningful, necessary support for wellness needs
- 80% have learned to navigate local & government resources
- 77% have increased income
- 75% have obtained basic needs and support for life skills development
These results reflect the hard work of those coming to our doors, along with tireless assistance from the dedicated staff, volunteers and partnering agencies who work together to give our Guests a hand up and provide hope for the future. Click Here to learn how to get involved with Lazarus House.
Lazarus House History
Click here for a detailed background of the history of Lazarus House or read on for our proudest highlights:
- June 1, 1997: Lazarus House began as a warm-weather shelter (June through September) for homeless individuals connected to St. Charles.
- 1998: The program expanded its service area and located at the Free Methodist Church in St. Charles as a permanent site open 365 days/year.
- July 2003: Lazarus House opened the Center for Transitional Living.
- January 2006: Lazarus House was awarded a grant for a pilot program to provide ongoing rental subsidies to qualifying low-income households in St. Charles.
- October 2006: Lazarus House opened the Women & Children’s Day Center.
- October 2008: Lazarus House opened the Community Resource Center, which provides more convenient street-level access for our Outreach (Homeless Prevention) Program.
- October 2018: Purchased the 214 Walnut Street Building
- August 2019: After renovations of 214 Walnut Street, all programs move under one roof
Awards
Lazarus House has been blessed to fulfill our mission of helping our neighbors in need find hope and a future. Along the way, we have expanded our services and received recognition for our efforts. These accomplishments reflect the ongoing dedication of the Board, staff, volunteers and donors in serving the needs of our communities, and we are grateful for their support.
2021 Catalyst of Change Award from Out In Fox Valley for helping to make the community a better and stronger place to live and work
2020 Executive Director Julie Purcell – Leap Award in recognition of Leadership, Excellence, Achievement and Professionalism from the Women’s Business Council of the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce
2020 Civic Image Award from the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce for enhancing the image of the community through renovation work to create a commercial kitchen and a congregate bathroom area
2019 Civic Image Award from the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce for enhancing the image of the community through the renovation of the 214 Walnut Street building
2016 Golden Heart Award from Tri-City Family Services for outstanding service to the community
2015 State of Illinois Recognition Award for our efforts in the fight against human trafficking
2014 Julie McCormack Award from the Renz Center for collaborative work on behalf of the homeless
2014 Dene Ecker Award from the Ecker Center for Mental Health for outstanding service to the community
2013 Executive Director Liz Eakins – Kane County Woman of Distinction as a representative role model and leader in her field and the community
2013 Executive Director Liz Eakins – Toastmaster’s International District 54 Communication and Leadership Award
2012 Executive Director Liz Eakins & Associate Director Carol Kreger – Partner in Peace Awards from the Crisis Center for work on behalf of victims of violence
2011 Best of the West/Favorite Charity by West Suburban Living magazine
2010 June 19th: Lazarus House Good Neighbor Day Proclamation by St. Charles City Mayor Donald P. DeWitte and the St. Charles City Council
2009 Executive Director Darlene Marcusson – Roscoe Ebey Citizen of the Year Award for outstanding service to the community
2009 Executive Director Darlene Marcusson – NAMI Advocate of the Year Award for efforts advocating for those with mental health issues
2007 Civic Image Award from the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce for outstanding service to the community
2007 Community Development Award from the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce for significant investment in the business community
2006 Not-for-Profit Small Business of the Year Award from the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce for contributions to the community outside the business world
2006 Executive Director Darlene Marcusson – Peace Award from the Crisis Center for work on behalf of victims of violence
2002 Illinois Governor’s Hometown Award for the significant contributions of our volunteers in the community
2002 Civic Image Award recognizing the addition of the new Center for Transitional Living
2000 Executive Director Darlene Marcusson – Barth Award for outstanding work in the human service field
2000 Executive Director Darlene Marcusson – Illinois Woman of Achievement Award recognizing her efforts in founding Lazarus House
Lazarus House Board of Directors
We are blessed to work with a talented and generous Board of Directors.
Board Officers
President: Robert McDowell
Vice President: Scott Corirossi
Treasurer: Ray Stachowiak
Secretary: Diane DeWitte
Board Members
- Lynette Anderson
- Anthony Armato
- Bob Boles
- Carolyn Chiovino
- Steve Figi
- Stormy Grinnell
- Carolyn Hanna
- Dan Izzo
- Linda Light
- Kate McCracken
- John Michalak
- Barb Potter
- Heather Sidman
Annual Report and Tax Form
The 2024 Lazarus House annual report and the latest 990 Tax Form are available to those who are interested.
We serve persons who are connected to Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and western rural Kane County.
Lazarus House Facilities
Main Building
214 Walnut Street
(entrance on 3rd Street)
Use this address for drop-offs
214 Walnut Street
St. Charles, IL 60174
Main Number & Emergency Shelter: 630.587.2144
Homeless Preventions Services/Rental Assistance: 630.587.5872
© Lazarus House Site Design: Paul Gregory Media
