The former YWCA Quad Cities building in downtown Rock Island is beginning a powerful new chapter — one that brings hope, stability, and safety to youth in our community.
“This building itself holds a rich history here in downtown Rock Island. We are deeply grateful that we were able to preserve this space and give it a new purpose — one that reflects the heart of this community,” said Julie Larson, President & CEO of YWCA Quad Cities.
On Thursday, February 19, YWCA Quad Cities hosted an open house and ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of Alan’s House, a new licensed youth group home serving young people in the Quad Cities. Staff, elected officials, community partners, and supporters gathered to mark the milestone.
“I am so excited to finally be standing here, sharing this promise with all of you, because Alan’s House is more than just a building. It is a promise,” Larson said. “A promise that young people in our community will not be forgotten. A promise that when a young person experiences housing instability, there is a safe, supportive place for them to land.”
Meeting a Critical Need
Alan’s House is a licensed DCFS youth group home that will serve youth ages 10–17 who have been removed from their families due to abuse, neglect, or other circumstances. The home will serve up to 10 youth placed by DCFS and four youth placed by Illinois DHS, making it the only youth group home of its kind in the region.
In the Quad Cities alone, more than 2,000 youth experience homelessness each year. Until now, there has been no dedicated group home to serve them locally, and foster placements have become increasingly limited.
Guests at the open house toured the newly renovated space and learned more about the comprehensive services available to residents. Youth at Alan’s House will receive 24/7 supervision from licensed and trained staff, along with wraparound supports including counseling, case management, life skills groups, and educational and vocational guidance.
“Unhoused youth are significantly more likely to become victims of sex trafficking. They are far more likely to experience substance use disorders. They are at much higher risk for exploitation, violence, untreated mental health challenges, and involvement with the juvenile justice system,” said Nicole Sodawasser, Chief Program Officer at YWCA Quad Cities.
With 27 years of experience as a social worker, Sodawasser has witnessed these realities firsthand.
“I have worked with youth who were couch surfing, sleeping in cars, staying in abandoned buildings, or trading their safety for a roof over their heads,” she said. “I have met young people who weren’t thinking about college applications or career plans — they were thinking about where they would sleep that night.”
Alan’s House exists to change that reality — providing stability, structure, and compassionate adults who believe in each young person’s potential.
Continuing a Legacy of Shelter and Support
Housing has long been part of YWCA Quad Cities’ mission. In 1918, the organization opened a dormitory that became home to thousands of young women seeking education, careers, and independence.
“That legacy of safe shelter and opportunity is woven into who we are,” Larson said.
Alan’s House builds on that legacy. Here, young people will find not only a safe place to stay but also belonging, guidance, and opportunities for growth.
Honoring Alan Egly’s Vision
Alan’s House is named in honor of Alan Egly, whose advocacy and leadership helped lay the groundwork for expanded youth services in the Quad Cities. As the longest-serving Executive Director of the Doris & Victor Day Foundation, Egly championed initiatives that strengthened local nonprofits and created opportunities for vulnerable youth.
He was a steadfast supporter of YWCA Quad Cities and played a key role in helping establish ThePlace2B, originally envisioned as a 24/7 safe haven for young people seeking shelter and connection. While resources at the time limited that dream to a drop-in center, Egly never stopped believing in the need for a dedicated youth shelter.
Alan’s House now fulfills that long-held vision — standing as both a vital community resource and a lasting tribute to a leader whose philanthropic legacy continues to shape brighter futures for Quad Cities youth.
Community Investment
YWCA Quad Cities extends deep gratitude to the Rock Island Rotary Foundation, SCRA, and the Doris & Victor Day Foundation. Their investment in this space is truly an investment in the safety, stability, and future of young people in our region.
Looking Ahead: Phase 2 Renovations
Phase 2 of the Alan’s House renovation represents an exciting next step in creating a space that is not only safe and functional but also welcoming, restorative, and empowering.
This phase will focus on exterior improvements that enhance the building’s appearance, accessibility, and sense of arrival — ensuring that from the moment young people approach the home, they are met with an environment that conveys care, stability, and hope.
A major highlight of Phase 2 will be the transformation of the former gymnasium into a vibrant, multi-use enrichment space featuring:
- A dedicated computer station for academic support and skill-building
- A quiet library nook for reading and reflection
- A board game area to foster positive peer engagement
- A comfortable lounge space for relaxation and community-building
Enhancements will also be made to sleeping rooms for DHS-placed youth, male and female residents, and the youth isolation room to ensure each space is calming, dignified, and trauma-informed. The main hallway will receive an uplifting redesign featuring inspirational messages and imagery that greet youth each day with encouragement and affirmation.
Together, these improvements reinforce the vision of Alan’s House as more than a shelter — it is a place of renewal, growth, and opportunity, intentionally designed to help young people feel valued, supported, and inspired to move forward.
Alan’s House is expected to officially open in March, marking a transformative step forward for youth in the Quad Cities community.
You can help us with Phase II by donating here.
