QC municipalities opening temporary winter shelter in Moline

Rock Island County and five municipalities in the Illinois Quad Cities have announced plans to establish a temporary winter emergency shelter in Moline this winter for people experiencing homelessness.

The shelter will be located at 3906 25^th Street in Moline and was formerly known as Winnie's Place. The shelter is expected to accommodate at least 30 men and women. Officials hope to open the shelter in December 2026 and continue through March 15, 2027, pending final approvals and facility readiness.

“This temporary emergency shelter is a solid first step as we work together toward a long-term, comprehensive approach to addressing homelessness and related issues impacting so many in our communities,” said Rock Island County Board Chairman Richard “Quijas” Brunk.

The announcement follows a regional planning effort that started in May 2026. Local governments and community organizations gathered to coordinate emergency shelter services and develop longer-term approaches to homelessness. The participating local governments include:

• Rock Island County
• City of Moline
• City of Rock Island
• City of East Moline
• City of Silvis
• Village of Milan

The proposed operating budget is about $240,000, with funding shared among participating governments. Rock Island County will serve as the shelter’s administrator and fiscal agent, overseeing funding coordination, financial management and administrative responsibilities. Individual government contributions will be addressed through their respective Intergovernmental Agreements (IGAs) and approval processes. Humility Homes & Services will operate the shelter and provide staffing, case management, guest services and connections to community resources. The six-unit building is owned by Churches United.

“By combining our resources, expertise and commitment, we are working toward providing a safe, warm place for individuals experiencing homelessness this winter,” said City of Moline Community Development Manager K.J. Whitley. “While we are proud of the progress made, our focus now is on completing the remaining facility punch-list items and operational preparations to open the shelter in December.”

“With colder weather on the way, it is our duty to take care of our vulnerable, unhoused residents,” said Rock Island Mayor Ashley Harris. “This partnership reflects the strength of our communities and our shared commitment to protecting the health, safety and dignity of every individual.”

Christian Care, The Third Place QC, The Salvation Army, Quad Cities Housing Council, Community Health Care, Project NOW, Community Foundation, One Eighty and Continuum of Care (IL-518) are also partnering in the program. These organizations will help with meals, daytime services, healthcare coordination, temporary accommodations and other resources. The Salvation Army may also provide limited accommodations for families and people with accessibility-related needs, subject to availability.

“We believe that providing a safe, welcoming place during the day is just as important as having a warm place to sleep at night,” said Cloey Miller, co-founder and director of The Third Place QC. “Through our daytime services, we can offer our guests rest, connection, access to resources and compassionate support while helping them navigate housing options, connect with case management and take meaningful steps toward stability.”

The shelter will supplement existing emergency shelter services in the area. Capacity will remain limited and referrals will be made to other available services based on eligibility and availability.

The participating governments have developed a proposed agreement outlining funding and administrative responsibilities. The agreement is scheduled for consideration by East Moline on November 2, Rock Island on November 9, Moline on November 10 and Rock Island County on November 17. Milan and Silvis will follow their respective approval processes.

After the temporary shelter closes, the building is expected to transition into six affordable housing units operated by Humility Homes & Services. The official shelter opening date will be announced after operational plans and required approvals are finalized.

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