Who we are...

Established in 1986, Home of the Sparrow serves the community as a transitional shelter program providing housing and supportive services for homeless women and their children in McHenry County. Through the generous support of donors and friends, Home of the Sparrow is celebrating more than twenty years of service to McHenry County communities.

Each year, more than 100 homeless women and children reside in Home of the Sparrow’s shelters located in McHenry and Crystal Lake.  At any given time, up to 75% of residents are children. Although McHenry County is the agency’s focus, we also provide services to those from DeKalb, DuPage, Kane, and Lake Counties. Since Home of the Sparrow’s program began in 1986, over 2,000 women have reached out to Home of the Sparrow, seeking help and hope and ultimately, lives of independence and self-sufficiency. Each year, we also provide women in crisis situations with information on additional advocacy services and prevention programs within our community.

The doors of Home of the Sparrow are always open. Our shelters are at maximum capacity. Utilizing all resources available, we strive to meet the needs of as many women and children as possible and keep our waiting list at a minimum.

History...