We recorded this for our other podcast, The Clopen Effect, but thought this was an incredible interview that should be shared on both!

Judy and Holly are here from Home of the Sparrow! Here is their mission and some insights from their website:

"Home of the Sparrow’s mission is to provide Hope, Opportunity and Support that empowers women and children as they journey from homelessness to self-sufficiency. Home of the Sparrow opened its doors as a registered 501(c)3 non-profit homeless shelter in 1987. Today, Home of the Sparrow not only provides Transitional Shelter, but also Affordable Housing and Rapid Re-Housing combined with Supportive Services that address the core issues of homelessness. Home of the Sparrow serves single women, pregnant women and women with children. Approximately 70+ percent of the women we serve have experienced domestic violence at some point on their journey. Other reasons for homelessness include unforeseen housing or financial crisis, a death in the family, or a medical emergency. The economy and rising cost of living contribute to unstable housing situations. On average Home of the Sparrow receives over 1,700+ calls a year from women in crisis and helps an average of 400+ women each year. Tax ID 36-3494491"

Need assistance? Visit https://hosparrow.org/intake/

Origins & Why It Matters

1. The journey began in 1984, when McHenry County recognized that homelessness wasn’t just a city issue - neighbors right here were struggling. A church survey revealed a growing need, and the community began discussing real solutions rather than just sympathy.

First Steps into Action

1. In 1985, community members (yes, regular people like you and me) met over pancakes, recognized the problem was real, and decided to take action. Initially, folks weren’t sure how to help, but that spark launched a movement.

Shelter Opens

1. December 15, 1986: The first shelter opened — not fancy, but real, offering refuge to those most in need. It became clear very quickly that the majority of people they were helping were women and children—people often left out of the conversation, but never left behind at HOS.

Becoming an Organization

1. 1987: Home of the Sparrow officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, cementing its role as a key community resource.

📈 Growth & Impact Over the Years

This isn’t a static charity — it’s a community ecosystem that has grown, adapted, and expanded its reach:

1990s

1. They bought their current McHenry shelter site (1991) and launched the first Sparrow’s Nest Thrift Store* in 1992, both milestones in sustainability and community engagement.

Expansion of Services

1. Over the next decade, they opened more thrift locations, expanded shelter capacity, and started affordable housing programs — turning temporary shelter into pathways to lasting stability.

2000s–2010s

1. Around 2012–2014, Home of the Sparrow began acquiring scattered affordable housing units and launched outreach & prevention programs — tackling homelessness before people lost housing.

Recent Years

1. The organization embraced technology and community support innovations:
2. 2016: Moved headquarters, won “Nonprofit of the Year,” and expanded services.
3. 2019: Merged in Community Threads store and launched online thrift and loyalty programs.
4. 2021 & beyond: Virtual fundraising, new housing units, and a new Headquarters purchased in Woodstock(2023).

💡 Why This Story Matters

This isn’t just a timeline — it’s a community coming together to address a problem that has been too long ignored. The work at Home of the Sparrow evolved from answering a phone call to building systems that create stability and opportunity for women, children, families, and individuals facing homelessness.

It’s a reminder: helping one person uplifts all of us. 💫

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This episode contains content that some may find emotionally challenging. This is not a substitute for professional therapy or mental health support. If you are struggling with persistent or severe mental health challenges, it's essential to reach out to a qualified mental health professional for guidance and assistance. Therapy provides a structured and supportive environment for individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and work towards lasting positive changes. Seeking professional help is a proactive step toward overall mental well-being.

All original content, unless otherwise stated, and music written and performed by Anxiety Makes Me Poop.