Hope Has A New Address: Freedom House Emergency Shelter in Henry County

One in three female murder victims in Illinois is killed at the hands of an intimate partner. More than one in three women and one in four men will experience domestic or sexual violence in their lifetimes.

The Life-Saving Power of Proximity

We need $2.5 million to transform a former medical arts building donated by OSF Healthcare System into a state-of-the-art, 40-bed emergency domestic violence shelter.

To turn our dream into a life-saving reality.

To give every victim in need the safety and comfort they deserve.

Henry and Stark counties together are one of the very few Illinois areas of this size without an emergency shelter for survivors and their families. And the need to add beds to this region becomes more urgent every day.

Building Hope

Opening an emergency shelter in Kewanee will reduce the risk of death or serious injury for victims by up to 80%.

“The Kewanee shelter will serve as a safe haven for victims of domestic and sexual violence, offering critical resources and support during some of the most challenging times in their lives. Our department has firsthand experience with the struggles faced by victims who lack access to such resources, and we recognize the urgent need for this facility in our area.” – Joshua C. Verscheure, Henry County Sheriff

Thanks to the generosity of OSF HealthCare, Freedom House has been given 716 Elliott Street in Kewanee. This 8,600-square-foot, one-story brick building is poised to become a refuge for hundreds of victims each year.

With the support of major gifts, we can transform this long-empty medical arts facility into a 40-bed, state-of-the-art emergency shelter.

• Ideal Location: A quiet residential street near downtown, offering both safety and accessibility
• Large Capacity: Hundreds of women, men, teens, and children will be sheltered each year. Stays up to 90 days or more will be available: Time for victims to heal and find safe housing for themselves and their dependents.
• Nearby Refuge: Clients will find safety while remaining connected to their support systems, jobs, schools, and childcare.

“The services that Freedom House intends to provide are essential to addressing the needs of our community, and we believe this shelter will play a critical role in enhancing the safety and well-being of area residents.”

– Stephen Kijanowski, City of Kewanee Chief of Police

The Geneseo Ministerial Association stands with us.

“We value the care and services to victims of domestic and sexual violence that Freedom House provides to our community. A shelter in Henry County will be an asset, and we endorse its development.”