Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Home of the Sparrow, Inc.
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: Home of the Sparrow, Inc.
Mailing Address: 1991 Duncan Place
City: Woodstock
State: IL
Postal Code: 60098
Main Phone: 8152715444
Main Fax: 8152715406
Organization Website: https://www.hosparrow.org/
Employer ID Number: 36-3494491
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/18/2026
Requested Amount: 5,000

Project Title: Homeless to Housed
Project Description:

Home of the Sparrow (HOS) is now in its fourth decade of service, dedicated to reducing the prevalence of homelessness among women, children, individuals, and families through creative strategies and community partnerships that result in lasting self-sufficiency. As a leading provider of homeless services in the region, HOS offers tailored support through shelter, supportive housing, or rental assistance, combined with case management, guiding clients toward self-sufficiency. Following the Housing First model, HOS prioritizes safe housing, allowing clients to begin addressing challenges and barriers in a stable environment as the foundation for recovery and growth. In fiscal year 2025 (ending June 30, 2025), HOS served 488 individuals across its shelter, housing, intake, and outreach programs, including 240 adults and 248 children (51% of the clients served), representing a 13.8% increase in children served compared to the prior year. Eighty-five percent of clients exited to positive housing destinations, and 70.2% of households increased or maintained income. Overall, HOS served 184 households and provided 64,739 nights of shelter.

HOS sustains its programs through a diverse funding strategy, including government (federal, state, and local) and private grants, private donations, net revenues from fundraising events, and third-party fundraisers. HOS operates seven Thrift Stores in the Chicagoland area, providing mission visibility and awareness, and whose net proceeds go toward the agency’s programs and services. Additionally, HOS volunteers significantly impact the community. In fiscal year 2025, over 600 dedicated individuals contributed hours to HOS’s programs and operations, equating to a diversion of $1.7 million. This strategy ensures no single funder is solely responsible for supporting a program or initiative, and funds are flexibly directed to the areas of greatest need.

Total Project Budget: 8,554,963

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Goverenment and Non-Government

Project Duration: 1 year
Geographical Area Served: Northeren Illinois
Age Group To Be Served: 0-21

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Kim
Contact Last Name: O’Brien
Contact Title: Grant Writer
Contact Phone: 8152715444
Contact Email: kobrien@hosparrow.org