Mission: To provide hope, opportunity and support that empowers women and children, as they journey from homelessness to self-sufficiency. Vision: To reduce homelessness among women and children through creative strategies and community partnerships, resulting in lasting self-sufficiency. Home of the Sparrow opened its doors as a registered 501(c)3 non-profit homeless shelter in 1987. Today, we provide a safe transitional shelter, affordable housing, rapid rehousing, outreach and prevention, case management, counseling, job coaching, educational programs and supportive services that help these women and children get back on their feet and become self-sufficient. Individuals who enter HOS receive supportive and holistic services that address the core issues of homelessness. Home of the Sparrow serves single women and single women with children or pregnant women who are homeless of all ages and demographics. In addition, Home of the Sparrow operates seven total thrift stores; six under the banner of Sparrow's Nest Thrift Stores with locations in Cary, McHenry, Mundelein, Palatine, Third Lake, and Woodstock; and one under the banner of Community Threads Thrift Store in Arlington Heights.