Evanston has a new resource for mental health crises with the opening of a “Living Room” facility designed to offer an alternative to traditional emergency departments. Located in a welcoming bungalow next to Ascension Saint Francis Hospital, the new facility aims to provide compassionate, noninstitutional support for adults in crisis.
Turning Point Behavioral Health, a nonprofit organization with a 50-year history, operates the Living Room model. This approach, first established in Skokie in 2011, offers immediate, walk-in support for individuals experiencing mental health emergencies. The Skokie Living Room has successfully diverted 98% of its patrons from emergency rooms over the past five years.
The development of the Evanston Living Room was a collaborative effort involving numerous stakeholders. Ann Raney, CEO of Turning Point Behavioral Health, highlighted the “courage,” “creativity,” and “tenacity” of the project’s partners, including Ascension Saint Francis, PEER Services, Impact Behavioral Health, Connections for the Homeless, local law enforcement, and elected officials at various levels.
Funding for the Evanston Living Room came from multiple sources. The City Council allocated $900,000 from American Rescue Plan Act funds for property renovations, which included significant upgrades to wiring, plumbing, ventilation, and roofing. Additional financial support was secured through state funding from State Senator Laura Fine and federal funding from U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky.
At the opening ceremony, Mayor Daniel Biss praised the facility’s potential to integrate various support services, including substance abuse treatment and economic assistance. Biss emphasized that traditional emergency departments are not equipped to handle such comprehensive case management needs.
The facility also introduces a new Turning Point van, which will patrol neighborhoods and be available for specific calls, including those from families needing support.
Representative Schakowsky commended the community care approach, noting that the facility provides an essential service that complements existing resources. She also highlighted the broader trend of replacing armed police responses with social workers in mental health crises, a practice gaining momentum across the country.
Unlike traditional medical settings that can heighten stress and require proof of insurance, the Living Room offers a calm, supportive environment where services are provided free of charge. With a kitchen and newly painted rooms, the Evanston facility is designed to make visitors feel more at ease, akin to a visit with close friends or family rather than a medical institution.
Former Evanston Mayor James C. Lytle attended the inauguration, reflecting on the city’s growth and improvements, with the new Living Room being a notable addition to the community’s resources.
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