A Dream Realized – Because of You
Together, We Made History.
On July 15, 2026, Freedom House proudly celebrated the ribbon cutting and opening of our new 40-bed emergency shelter in Kewanee—a project made possible by the extraordinary generosity of our donors, community partners, foundations, businesses, volunteers, and friends.
What was once a vacant medical arts building is now a state-of-the-art emergency shelter providing safety, healing, and hope to survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their children.
For Freedom House, and for the thousands of people we serve, this is more than a new building. It is a new beginning.
The Doors Are Open. The Need Continues.
The Kewanee shelter is now welcoming survivors, but our responsibility did not end when the ribbon was cut.
While the capital campaign made this remarkable project possible, public funding for the shelter’s ongoing operations remains uncertain. Illinois officials have informed us that state operational funding for the Kewanee shelter may not be available for up to 24 months.
That means community support remains essential.
Your generosity helps ensure that when a survivor needs a safe place to go, Freedom House can open the door.
Your continued support helps us provide:
- Safe emergency shelter, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
- Trauma-informed counseling and advocacy
- Children’s services and therapeutic programming
- Legal and medical advocacy
- Safety planning and crisis intervention
- Ongoing maintenance and security
Every gift helps us sustain the Kewanee shelter and ensure that survivors receive the comprehensive services they need—not simply a safe place to sleep, but a place where healing and rebuilding can begin.
Community Voices
“The Kewanee shelter serves 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
“The services that Freedom House provides are essential to addressing the needs of our community, and this shelter plays a critical role in enhancing the safety and well-being of area residents.”
— Stephen Kijanowski, Chief of Police, City of Kewanee
“We value the care and services Freedom House provides to victims of domestic and sexual violence. This shelter is an incredible asset to Henry County and the surrounding communities.”
— Geneseo Ministerial Association
Your Gift Changes Lives
Leave a Lasting Legacy with a Major Gift
Although the shelter is now open, a limited number of permanent naming opportunities remain available for those who would like to make a transformational gift.
- $250,000 — 6,000 sq ft Residential Wing
- $100,000
- Children’s Outdoor Playground
- Client Living Room
- Library & Computer Room
- Individual Bedrooms
If you are interested in a naming opportunity, we would be honored to speak with you about the opportunities that remain.
Thank You
Because of generous supporters like you, hundreds of survivors and their children will have a safe place to escape abuse, access critical services, begin healing, and rebuild their lives.
You helped us build the shelter. Now, help us keep its doors open.
Thank you for believing in Freedom House and for helping us continue to provide safety, healing, and hope to survivors throughout our region.
Freedom House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax deductible as allowed by law. Federal Tax ID: 36-3596722
Donation of Goods for the Kewanee Shelter
Thank you for your interest in supporting the Kewanee Shelter! Your generosity helps us provide essential items and a safe, welcoming environment for those we serve.
Items We Always Need
Items listed on our Amazon Wishlist and Shelter Wishlist are always needed and may be donated at any time.
Donating Other Items
Because storage space at the shelter is limited, all non-cash donations that are not currently listed on one of our wishlists must be approved by a Shelter Advocate before they are dropped off.
- If you have items you would like to donate that are not on our wishlists, please call (815) 872-0087 and ask for Amber.