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.

Heartland HOUSED has launched HCoC Connect, a groundbreaking mobile app designed to enhance street outreach and improve access to social services for individuals experiencing homelessness in Springfield and Sangamon County. As the first app of its kind in our community, HCoC Connect serves as a vital bridge between those in need and the resources available to support them.

By harnessing the power of real-time communication, the app enables outreach teams and service providers to coordinate more efficiently and respond swiftly to urgent needs. Outreach workers can document engagements, report encampments, and locate essential services on the spot, streamlining their daily operations.

HCoC Connect also invites broader community involvement. Business owners, residents, and other stakeholders can use the app to report concerns or areas where individuals are experiencing literal homelessness. This innovative tool not only strengthens service delivery but also enhances data collection and fosters deeper collaboration among local organizations.

The app was developed locally in partnership with LRS and supported by a donation through the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln. Since the soft launch, the community's feedback has been wonderful, as they emphasized user-friendliness and easy accessibility. 

The Heartland Connect app is available for download on the Apple App Store. 

To learn how to navigate the HCoC Connect app, click here.