Please join us at the public hearing on September 11th at 7pm at 100 N Martin Luther King Jr Ave, 2nd Floor, Waukegan, IL 60085

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The Allendale Association wants to open a youth homeless shelter at 421 Water Street in Waukegan, Illinois. Shelters like this are vital for helping homeless young people; however, some community members have concerns about this plan.

Residents have expressed several worries regarding the proposal, including:

1. **Structure**: Allendale plans to open a Shelter accommodating nine male youth aged 14 to 17. The facility will feature six transitional beds intended for up to 30 days, while the remaining three will offer longer-term accommodations. Thus indicating an increase in transient activity 

2. **Training Insights**: According to Eerick, a representative from Allendale, the staff will have trauma-informed certification. This certification will be provided after a face-to-face training has been completed. It's essential to recognize that while this certification is beneficial, it is not a formal licensure, prompting ongoing discussions regarding the adequacy of training for staff members.

3. **Staffing Considerations**: The Shelter plans to have a staffing model that includes two daytime staff and one overnight staff member to support the nine youth. While this structure aims to provide personalized attention, there are valid concerns that limited training and staffing may contribute to challenges in maintaining a safe and supportive environment.

4. **Zoning Area Context**: The proposed location for this project is in a residential area designated as the B4 Zone (Downtown). While Allendale correctly notes that the neighboring zones are H/C (Health/Civic), it is important to point out that these zones primarily consist of parking structures for police officers, located on the right side of the zone. Additionally, the left side includes an R5 zone, which is designated for multi-residential homes.

5. **Community Feedback**: Many individuals supporting this project do not reside in or operate businesses within the immediate neighborhood (Ward 1/District 8). During community outreach efforts, several residents and local business owners within a 250-foot radius and over were unaware of the proposed changes. Engaging with those directly impacted could foster better understanding and communication regarding the project.

Additional concerns regarding the Allendale Association’s track record include:

1. **Employee and Community Reports**

- Staff reviews on platforms such as Glassdoor and Indeed consistently mention: 
- Unsafe working conditions 
- Inadequate training
- Lack of supervision
- Mandatory overtime and employee burnout
- These issues directly reflect how the organization operates and manages its facilities, raising questions about its ability to manage a residential shelter near families and schools responsibly.

2. **Documented Incidents of Abuse and Misconduct** 
- Over 576 police responses to Allendale’s Lake Villa facility within three years. (No publicly available reports/ media investigation or oversight findings specific to the Walter-Cherry location)
- Injuries to youth during physical restraints, including broken bones and knocked-out teeth
- In one high-profile case, a 16-year-old child died after being restrained by two staff members. 
- These incidents are not isolated; they represent a pattern of mismanagement and a lack of control over staff behavior and protocols, which poses risks to the safety of both residents and the surrounding community.

3. **Lack of Transparency**
- The Better Business Bureau (BBB) reported that Allendale refused to disclose key governance and financial data essential for public trust and nonprofit accountability.

We do not oppose shelters, but we firmly oppose placing one in a family neighborhood operated by an organization with such a controversial record. Until Allendale can demonstrate that it has addressed past failures, improved transparency, and regained public trust, it is unfit to expand its operations. I encourage city planners to explore alternatives to keep our community safe and stable.

Additionally, I invite residents to sign this petition against the proposed location of the Allendale Association homeless shelter near our neighborhoods in Waukegan, Illinois.