Current Situation:

 

• Connections for the Homeless backers rally for Envision Evanston
   

• Changing zoning and adding housing encouraged by expert at Connections fundraiser

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Fourth Ward: Alder Jonathan Nieuwsma is a major advocate for Connections  and Biss ally 

First Ward:    Challenger, Stephen Hackney is on the board of connections

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History:

 

In March 2020, during the initial COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, the Margarita Inn in Evanston, Illinois, became a temporary shelter for homeless individuals after Evanston-based nonprofit Connections for the Homeless partnered with the city to house people displaced by the shutdown of congregate shelters. 

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• Pandemic-Related Shutdowns:

  The pandemic led to the closure of traditional congregate shelters, creating a need for alternative housing solutions for the homeless. 
   

• City Initiative:

  The City of Evanston initiated the arrangement with Connections for the Homeless to utilize the Margarita Inn as a temporary, non-congregate shelter. 
   

• Connections for the Homeless:

  Connections for the Homeless, a local nonprofit, partnered with the city to manage the Margarita Inn as a shelter, providing housing and services to the homeless. 
   

• 4/19/2022: Evanston residents voice concerns about hotel turned into homeless shelter during pandemic
   

• 11/28/2022: Connections rejects alternate shelter site
   

• 4/26/2023: Tie vote sends Margarita Inn shelter case to City Council without a recommendation
   

• 5/18/2023: Mayor: Evanston must be a ‘yes in my backyard’ city
   

• 5/23/2023: Margarita Inn homeless shelter wins council approval
   

• 5/3/2023: Landlord next door sues Margarita Inn owner to stop shelter operations
   

• 6/17/2023: Halim sues to overturn Margarita zoning
   

• 6/22/2023: Connections gets funds to buy Margarita
   

• 7/6/2023: Lawsuit: Margarita Inn shelter ‘incompatible’ with neighborhood
   

• 2/14/2024: Margarita Inn opens doors to residents and public officials to celebrate building purchase
   

• ​3/20/2025: Evanston Now: Connections advocates zoning reform