The frigid winter of 2025–26 has challenged nearly everyone in the Chicago area, but for those without homes, the season has been especially harsh.
As people experiencing homelessness search for a warm place to sleep, residents in Evanston have an option through Interfaith Action of Evanston. The 70-year-old organization provides a range of services, including a morning hospitality center at St. Mark’s Church near downtown Evanston.
In addition, overnight shelters operate on a rotating basis at eight houses of worship: First Presbyterian Church of Evanston, First Congregational Church, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Beth Emet Synagogue, the Unitarian Church, First United Methodist Church of Evanston and Lake Street Church.
“Our mission is to serve people who are hungry and homeless and to be advocates for them,” said Interfaith Executive Director Sue Murphy.
That mission has been tested during the recent brutal stretch of winter weather. While Chicago winters are often severe, temperatures failed to rise above freezing from Jan. 16 through Feb. 4, according to the National Weather Service. On some nights, the temperature sunk to about -10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Murphy estimated Evanston’s homeless population at approximately 150 people and said more individuals than usual sought assistance during the cold snap. With a capacity of 30 beds across the overnight shelters, Interfaith was forced to turn some people away due to capacity limits.
“It’s so sad,” Murphy said. “We put them on a waiting list, but we only have 30 beds.”
Murphy said few people arrive without prior arrangement, as most know in advance whether they have been assigned a bed. She receives daily updates on whether space is available for new clients.
While the city of Evanston opened warming centers during the cold stretch — including the Gibbs-Morrison Cultural Center on Martin Luther King Jr. Day — some individuals were still forced to brave the cold.
Despite those challenges, Interfaith continues its outreach to people without housing.
“Our goal is to build relationships with people who are struggling with homelessness and to be a place where they receive positive reinforcement,” Murphy said.
Interfaith’s roots date back to 1956, when a group of local pastors formed the Evanston Council of Churches. In 1970, the organization became the Evanston Ecumenical Action Council. Then in 2006, as Jewish and Muslim houses of worship joined the effort, it adopted its current name: Interfaith Action of Evanston.
Today, Interfaith operates four soup kitchens in coordination with religious organizations, while other meal programs operate independently. It also runs a hospitality center at St. Mark’s Church that is open year-round from 7–11 a.m. The facility includes activity and computer rooms for guests.
Volunteer Isaac Iles works in the computer room two days a week, helping clients with tasks such as creating résumés and checking email.
While many people regularly seek assistance, Iles said the most meaningful success stories are the ones he never sees again.
“They get a job, they find housing, and we never see them again,” he said. “That’s the best-case scenario.”
One new development this year is an initiative created by Assistant Program Manager Jernone Smith that allows Interfaith to provide simple cell phones to clients, helping them stay in touch with friends, family and potential employers.
“We wanted to help people get over their loneliness and maintain contact with friends and family,” Murphy said.
Interfaith operates on an annual budget of approximately $550,000, funded through a City of Evanston grant, private donations and fundraising events. Those include an annual dinner at the Orrington Hotel, typically held in October, and the Walk for Warmth, a two-mile walk through downtown Evanston on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Murphy estimated between 400 and 450 people participated in this year’s Walk for Warmth on Jan. 19, despite the cold temperatures.
Murphy is the organization’s only full-time staff member, supported by six part-time employees and seasonal overnight shelter staff. She first became involved 28 years ago while searching for a job and, despite limited experience at the time, was hired as a job counselor before eventually becoming executive director.
Assisted by staff and a large network of volunteers, Murphy said she remains deeply committed to the work.
“I’ve met people I never would have met otherwise,” she said. “They are amazing people.”
