A new hospitality house in the heart of Chicago  North and west of Chicago’s downtown, where towering buildings meet vibrant neighborhoods, many families quietly face a difficult reality: the cost of housing has risen beyond what they can afford. It’s common to find multiple-generation families sharing small living spaces, not by choice, but by necessity, especially in apartments surrounding Tabor Lutheran Church. Parents, grandparents, and children often crowd into units designed for far fewer people, simply because stable housing is increasingly out of reach. For some families, even this arrangement is not enough. A job loss, a medical emergency, or an unexpected crisis can push them beyond their limits, leaving them with nowhere to turn. Tabor Lutheran Church is responding to this urgent need by opening the fourth Lutheran Church Charities Hospitality House to provide a safe, temporary place for families who need stability, encouragement, and the opportunity to regain their footing. More than just a place to stay, it will be a place where families are welcomed with dignity, compassion, and practical support.  A Vision of Hospitality and Hope Rooted in the Christian call to love our neighbors, LCC Hospitality Houses are a living expression of faith in action. They are more than shelter — and Tabor’s is no different, says Tabor pastor Rev. Phil Robarge. Unlike the existing three LCC Hospitality Houses, Tabor’s will be in an urban setting with a unique Chicago neighborhood feel — a multistory house in Albany Park, one of the city’s most diverse areas. Inside, the unit has hardwood floors and cozy living room, bedroom, kitchen, and dining space. Currently, the apartment is being cleaned and renovated by the congregation and volunteers for a multi-generational family. Tabor is lending its own muscle and sweat equity to fix up and furnish the space over the coming months. The church hopes to have a family moving in by late summer. While housing is the immediate need, the mission of the Hospitality House goes far beyond providing a roof overhead. The family who moves in will be supported by a dedicated Care Team that will walk alongside them during their stay. “The vision for Tabor is for God’s love to move a family toward wholeness and healing,” Robarge said. Tabor’s Care Team will offer encouragement and spiritual care grounded in Christ and help their occupant family connect within the life of the congregation. They’ll provide mentorship and relational support, help the family create a plan to move from crisis to stability, and connect them with vital resources, including employment assistance, counseling, education, and housing services. Through this holistic approach, the family will not only experience relief during a crisis but also receive the tools and support they need to rebuild stability in their lives. The goal is not dependency; it is healing and restoration. A Place to Be Seen and Supported Many families who are experiencing housing hardship feel invisible. The Hospitality House will remind them that they are not forgotten, says Tabor associate pastor Rev. Walter Ramirez. While living in Tabor Hospitality House, the family will find a safe, welcoming environment to live day to day. They’ll have fellow congregation members who will listen, care, and offer assistance toward long-term living solutions. The Tabor church family believes in their future, Ramirez says. “Hospitality House reflects the heart of the Gospel by welcoming the stranger, caring for those in need, and walking with one another through life's challenges,” he added. Your Partnership Can Make This Possible The vision of the Hospitality House cannot become reality without the support of compassionate partners who believe in this mission. If you feel led to give, your gift will help:
Every contribution, large or small, helps open the door for a family who needs hope, safety, and encouragement, says LCC Cares Ministry Director Denise Snider. An Invitation
When kind-hearted supporters like you invest in families, you strengthen the entire community. By supporting the Hospitality House at Tabor Lutheran Church, you become part of a ministry that brings practical help, spiritual hope, and lasting change to families in crisis. “Together, we can open a door that leads not just to shelter, but to stability, dignity, and renewed life in Christ,” Snider said. Will you join LCC in making Tabor Lutheran’s Hospitality House a place where hope lives? Comments are closed.
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