Homelessness is a community challenge that requires a community response. In Springfield and Sangamon County, community members and partners come together in incredible ways to support our neighbors who are unhoused. Through all of our collective action, we can make the experience of homelessness in Sangamon County rare, brief, and nonrecurring.

These resources may help you find a way to get involved:

The Heartland Continuum of Care General Membership meets every 2 to 3 months and is a great way to learn about work happening in our community and ongoing needs. If you prefer, you can use the link above to sign up for emails so that you get regular updates about community efforts.

The Community Ambassador Training was created in 2021 to help create a foundation for the community to engage in the strategic planning process. Though a couple years old, the content is still relevant and provides an orientation to the work the HCoC does.

WELCOME HOME BASKET INITIATIVE

At Heartland HOUSED, we recognize that moving into a new home can be a big transition—and having basic essentials can make all the difference. The Welcome Home Basket Initiative invites community members to support individuals moving out of homelessness by donating those essential household items. To participate, just fill a laundry basket or reusable container with new items such as bedding, towels, toiletries, cleaning supplies, and kitchen basics. Complete baskets are encouraged, but we also accept individual items. This is an ongoing effort, and every donation helps someone settle into stable housing with comfort and dignity. To arrange a drop-off, contact molly@heartlandhoused.org. Drop-offs are typically scheduled for Wednesdays between 2–3 p.m.

Learn About Solutions to Homelessness

The links below provide additional opportunities for you to educate yourself on solutions to homelessness. The more informed our community is, the better we can advocate for the programs, funding, and resources needed for progress.

“Homelessness is Solvable” from the Solvable podcast provides great insight about models for effectively ending homelessness.

"Million Dollar Murray" illustrates the high cost of homelessness and demonstrates why problems like homelessness may be easier to solve than to manage.

“Why We Can’t Solve Homelessness?” interview from Illinois Public Media featuring State Homelessness Chief for the Illinois Department of Human Services, Christine Haley. There been many attempts over the years to help people deal with homelessness and the problems that cause it. But how successful have those efforts actually been? Where do we stand in the fight against homelessness here in Illinois? And what will it take to reach, as Governor JB Pritzker has called it, “functional zero” homelessness?

"Homelessness is a Housing Problem" presentation from Gregg Colburn who is the author of a book with the same title. Greg's research provides insight into foundational challenges that contribute to levels of homelessness across the county.