We all benefit from support systems that help us navigate
life’s challenges and difficulties. At times, that support may come from a
family member, mentor or teacher who guides us and helps us grow. In other
seasons, it might take the form of a loan, a public benefit or advice on how to
handle a particularly difficult situation. No one navigates life alone. Healthy
communities foster connection, support and the development of resources focused
on meeting people where they are and helping them take their next steps toward
health and well-being.
Heartland HOUSED and Heartland Continuum of Care partners
are working continuously to improve our community’s response to homelessness
and create a healthier, more connected community. We are actively increasing
connection, support, and access to resources to help individuals and families
exit homelessness – or avoid it altogether – and thrive in stable housing.
The Heartland Housing Helpline has been established to make
it easier for people to access homelessness prevention support, complete the
HCoC Coordinated Entry Assessment for supportive housing opportunities and
navigate available community shelter resources. Community members can call the
Helpline at 217-803-5235 for assistance. As we continue connecting additional
community rental assistance programs to the Helpline, people facing a housing
crisis will be able to call a single number to find the support they are
eligible for.
In April, Heartland HOUSED launched a new iOS app called
Heartland Connect. Developed locally in partnership with LRS and supported by a
donation through the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, the app is
designed to enhance street outreach efforts by connecting outreach staff with
individuals who are unhoused. It also empowers community members, business
owners and stakeholders to share information with outreach teams and facilitate
service referrals. The app aims to bridge the gap that can exist between social
service resources and the public, fostering stronger connections to available
services. It can be downloaded from the iOS App Store by searching for “HCoC
Connect.”
To further our efforts to meet people where they are and
support them as they navigate services, Heartland HOUSED hired a full-time street
outreach coordinator in March. The coordinator collaborates with the HCoC
Street Outreach Task Group and other partners to maintain a by-name list of
unsheltered individuals in the community and coordinates housing-focused
outreach efforts. Using the Heartland Connect app and other tools, we identify
areas where outreach is needed and partner with others to respond. Having
dedicated staff for street outreach – and increasing collaboration around
referrals and services – is an important step toward improving access to
support. This position is partially funded through a new grant, and Heartland
HOUSED is actively seeking additional funding to expand the outreach team.
The Heartland Lived Experience Advisory Board, composed of
community members who have experienced homelessness, provides valuable insight
into the policies and initiatives of Heartland HOUSED and the HCoC. The board
also identifies system gaps and offers recommendations for improvement. Hosting
focus groups with people who are currently unhoused has been a key strategy in
helping organizations and the HCoC identify strategic improvements and
additional resource needs.
With each of these steps – alongside the continued work of
local Heartland Continuum of Care organizations to expand programs and enhance
services – we move closer to the goals outlined in our communitywide strategic
plan. If you are interested in learning more about the work happening in
Springfield and Sangamon County, we have developed community ambassador
training to help community members get engaged with the work that would be a
great next step. Homelessness is a complex issue, but our community has shown
that significant progress is possible when we commit to collaboration and build
a system that fosters connection, support and resource development focused on
meeting people where they are and helping them move toward well-being.
Josh Sabo is the executive director of Heartland HOUSED.