Someone Vandalized The Third Place QC in Rock Island

It's always disappointing to hear about vandalism, but it's especially heartbreaking when the target is a place dedicated to helping people in need.

The Third Place QC in Rock Island was forced to close on Thursday after someone vandalized the building overnight, leaving several front windows damaged and preventing the organization from safely opening its doors.

"We are incredibly saddened that someone chose to damage a place that exists solely to serve our community. The Third Place was built with love, compassion, and hope, and while this hurts, it won't stop us from continuing our mission."
-The Third Place QC

According to the Rock Island Police Department, officers were called to the building around 5:40 a.m. Thursday, after reports of the damage.

The organization says it has security camera footage, has identified the person believed to be responsible, and has turned all of that information over to Rock Island Police.

What Is The Third Place QC?

For those who may not be familiar, The Third Place QC is much more than just a building.

It's a daytime resource center that serves people experiencing homelessness and housing instability throughout the Quad Cities. The center provides a safe, welcoming place where people can escape the weather, connect with resources, receive support, and simply be treated with dignity and respect.

Why They Had To Close

Following the vandalism, staff made the difficult decision to close for the day so they could safely clean up the broken glass, secure the building, and prepare the space before welcoming guests back.

For anyone needing relief from Thursday's heat, The Third Place directed people to Project NOW, which is serving as a cooling center throughout the day.

Even while closed, the organization continued accepting donations between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., showing their commitment to serving the community despite the setback.

The Third Place expects to reopen during its normal business hours on Friday.