Housing and Opportunities Useful for Students’ Excellence (HOUSE)

At Lewis University, we strive to provide comprehensive services and resources to ensure a successful educational experience for all our students. We understand some students may be experiencing homelessness, and we are here to help. Our institution and the State of Illinois are committed to supporting students in need by connecting them to available resources on and off campus. In addition, we are dedicated to removing barriers hindering their college retention and success.
Illinois has passed Public Act 102-0083, which mandates that Illinois colleges and universities appoint liaisons referred to as the Housing and Opportunities that are Useful for Students’ Excellence (HOUSE) program to provide support and resources to homeless students. In addition, institutions with on-campus housing must prioritize the placement of homeless students, even during school breaks, if on-campus housing remains open. At Lewis University, we are committed to meeting these requirements and ensuring our students can access the resources they need to succeed.
Lewis University seeks to provide services and resources to ensure a holistic, successful educational experience for our students. Here you will find information and resources for our students who may be experiencing homelessness. Lewis University and the State of Illinois support students by connecting them to available resources on and off campus and removing barriers to college retention and success.
Resources
On Campus
- Financial Aid Office
Learning Resource Center, LR-G41
(815) 836-5263
finaid@lewisu.edu - Residence Life
Learning Resource Center
Main Floor, LR- G21
(815) 836-5125 - Guardian Angel Community Services
Lower Level of Mother Teresa Hall (022)
(815) 836 -5455
Hours & Day of Operation:
Tuesdays from 2pm-6pm - Lewis University Police Department
West Hall
Emergency: (815) 836-5911 or 5911
Non-Emergency: (815) 836-5222 - Student Wellness Center
Lower Level Mother Teresa Hall
(815) 836-5455 - University Ministry
Sancta Alberta Chapel
(815) 836-5289
Additional Resources
Off Campus
- Will County Center for Community Concerns
Main Office
2455 Glenwood Avenue
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 722-0722 - Guardian Angel Community Services
168 N. Ottawa Street
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 729-0930 - Will County Continuum of Care
54 North Ottawa Street, Suite 300
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 723-2500 - Aunt Martha’s Health & Wellness
409 West Jefferson St, Joliet, IL 60435
877-692-8686
https://www.auntmarthas.org/ - Child Care Resource and Referral (Housing/Shelter)
801 North Larkin Avenue, Suite 202
Joliet IL 60435
(815) 741-4622
Hours 8am-4:30pm Monday-Friday
Outside Joliet: (800) 641-4622 - Daybreak Shelter Catholic Charities (Food/Meals)
611 Cass Street
Joliet IL 60432
(815) 774-4663 - Second Baptist Church (Meal)
158 S Joliet St.
Joliet IL 60436
(815) 726-3731
Lunch on Thursday, 1-2 pm
Contacts
Dr. DeSean E. Coleman
Homelessness Liaison
Assistant Dean of Student Services & Title IX Coordinator
Learning Resource Center, LR G-14
(815) 836-5597
dcoleman5@lewisu.edu
Janeen Decharinte
Director of Financial Aid
(815) 836-5263
decharja@lewisu.edu
Thomas Burgess
Director of Residence Life & Student Conduct
(815) 836-5125
Burgesto@lewisu.edu