In 1985, a man named Louis Tosto did something that he normally would not do. He picked up a man who was hitchhiking and learned that he was homeless. Louis was shocked to hear the stories of homelessness in the suburbs and even more appalled to learn of the absence of services to help these individuals.

From this experience, Louis and a group of individuals investigated the issue of homelessness in the Northwest Chicago suburbs. The group learned that there were very few services available for this population, and that women and their children were most in need. Through collaborations with the Northwest Suburban Council for Community Service and Alexian Brothers Medical Center, they created Housing and Shelter Program (HASP), which was incorporated in 1986.
 

During this time HASP provided resources and arranged emergency housing for women and their children facing homelessness.  In 1988 HASP purchased its first home with the capacity to house 10 women and children each night with a maximum stay of 3 months. In 1989 HASP changed its name to WINGS Program, Inc, (Women In Need Growing Stronger) and by 1990 WINGS began providing transitional housing for up to 2 years, counseling, and other supportive services.

Today WINGS continues to provide transitional housing and support services. In addition, WINGS 15,000 square foot Safe House can accommodate up to 45 women and children each night. WINGS programs include Project Lifeline, a graduate mentoring service, children’s activities, homeless prevention and resources options and Career Services.