The 2026 Youth Homelessness Needs and Recommendations is a comprehensive report examining the causes, experiences, and service gaps impacting youth and young adults experiencing homelessness throughout Sangamon County.
Developed through extensive community engagement, data analysis, and collaboration with local partners, the assessment provides an in-depth look at the unique challenges facing young people ages 14–24. The report explores trends in housing instability, barriers to accessing services, and opportunities to strengthen the local response through coordinated, youth-centered solutions.
The findings reinforce what providers across the community have witnessed firsthand: youth homelessness is often driven by family conflict, economic hardship, mental health challenges, involvement with child welfare or juvenile justice systems, and a shortage of safe, affordable housing. While many organizations are working tirelessly to support young people, significant gaps remain in emergency shelter, transitional housing, prevention services, and long-term support.
The assessment identifies several priorities for future action, including expanding youth housing options, increasing access to behavioral health and supportive services, improving collaboration between systems, strengthening prevention efforts, and ensuring youth voices remain central to future planning.
This report represents an important milestone in Heartland HOUSED's ongoing commitment to ending homelessness through data-informed planning and strong community partnerships. By better understanding the needs of local youth, our community can make more strategic investments and build a coordinated response that helps young people achieve stable housing and long-term success.
Community members, service providers, local leaders, educators, and advocates are encouraged to review the report and consider how they can contribute to creating a community where every young person has a safe place to call home.
Together, we can build stronger systems, remove barriers to housing, and create brighter futures for youth across Sangamon County.
Read the full report here.