History

Hope on 5th was created to address a long-standing gap in housing and support services for veterans, individuals experiencing homelessness, and those at risk of homelessness in Lincoln and the surrounding Central Illinois region.

The organization's origins trace back to 2022, when community leaders and veteran advocates began exploring ways to provide local housing options for veterans who otherwise had to travel to larger cities such as Bloomington, Springfield, or Peoria for assistance. Around that time, Lincoln College offered the former St. Clara's Manor facility on Fifth Street for use as a housing and support center. Because Hope on 5th had not yet been established as an independent nonprofit, the property was initially held by the Central Illinois Veterans Commission while plans for the new organization were developed.

Community agencies, local leaders, and Logan County officials worked together to create a broader vision for the facility. Rather than serving only veterans, the project evolved into a regional resource center designed to assist veterans, families, and individuals experiencing housing instability. Logan County provided startup funding for renovations, and additional grants supported improvements to the building's HVAC, plumbing, and treatment spaces.

Hope on 5th officially took possession of the building in January 2024. The facility benefited from existing furnishings and linens left behind from its previous use, allowing rooms to be prepared quickly for residents. The first resident moved into the facility in August 2024, marking the beginning of shelter operations. Within a few months, the organization was serving numerous residents and had established a waiting list due to demand.

Today, Hope on 5th operates as a one-stop resource center offering emergency, temporary, and transitional housing along with supportive services. Services available through community partnerships include mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, legal aid, recovery meetings, peer support groups, and veteran services. The organization serves residents from Logan County and surrounding Central Illinois communities.

Since opening, Hope on 5th has become the first regional housing and supportive services center of its kind in Lincoln. Through community partnerships, volunteers, donations, and grant funding, the organization continues to expand its mission of helping individuals achieve stable housing and rebuild their lives while strengthening the well-being of the broader community.