News

Heartland HOUSED Q1 2026 Update Highlights Progress, Housing Growth, and System Impact

5/22/2026

New data shows a 14% decrease in active homelessness in Sangamon County alongside record housing placements, expanded outreach efforts, and continued growth in homelessness prevention initiatives.

Where Springfield’s Homeless Response Is Making Measurable Progress

5/18/2026

The new mid-plan progress report highlights major gains in housing placements, outreach, shelter capacity, and system coordination across Sangamon County.

Illinois Times: Are we making progress on efforts to address homelessness?

5/18/2026

This Illinois Times article highlights how Springfield and Sangamon County are building a more coordinated response to homelessness, while recognizing the work still ahead.

Funding Opportunity: FY27 Homelessness Prevention Grant

4/29/2026

The Heartland Continuum of Care is beginning the process of allocating FY27 State of IL Homelessness Prevention Grant Funding.

Funding Opportunity: FY27-FY29 Emergency Solutions Grant

4/3/2026

The Heartland Continuum of Care is beginning the process of allocating FY27-FY29 Emergency Solutions Grant Funding. Letters of intent are due on April 23rd.

HCoC Connect is Now Available on Android and Apple Devices!

4/2/2026

HCoC Connect is now available on both Apple and Android, making it easier than ever to connect people to outreach and resources.

Illinois Times: We can build a mental health system we can all count on

3/2/2026

Mental health service gaps in Sangamon County are straining families, schools, hospitals and public safety systems across our community. In this Illinois Times op-ed, Executive Director Josh Sabo outlines where the system is falling short, how those gaps directly affect our homelessness response efforts, and why a sustainable, locally funded solution matters for all of us.

Illinois Times: Improving housing stability benefits our community

1/26/2026

Stable, affordable housing is the foundation of a strong and healthy community. When housing costs rise faster than wages, more neighbors are pushed into survival mode and forced to spend their time and energy figuring out where to sleep and how to meet basic needs.

Heartland HOUSED 2025 Year in Review: Progress, Impact, and What’s Next

1/15/2026

Our 2025 Year in Review highlights major system progress across Springfield and Sangamon County, including expanded funding, improved outcomes, strengthened outreach, and nationally recognized data quality. The report also outlines ongoing challenges and priorities shaping homelessness response efforts in 2026.

HCoC HUD FY 25 CoC NOFO Local Competition Paused

12/3/2025

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development withdrew the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) with respect to the Continuum of Care (CoC) grant program on Monday, December 8th.

Heartland HOUSED September/October Update

11/20/2025

We create reports every two months to keep the community up to date on current efforts to improve the system of care available for folks experiencing homelessness in Springfield and Sangamon County. Take some time to learn more about our work.

Heartland HOUSED seeks Mason Street PSH Service Provider

10/10/2025

Heartland HOUSED has established the Heartland Flexible Housing Pool as a tool to further expand the amount of supportive housing in Sangamon County. The Mason Street RFP provides an opportunity for agencies to apply for funding for the IHDA funded Mason Street Apartments anticipated to open in January of 2026.

Heartland HOUSED July/August Update

10/10/2025

We create reports every two months to keep the community up to date on current efforts to improve the system of care available for folks experiencing homelessness in Springfield and Sangamon County. Take some time to learn more about our work.

Illinois Times: The high cost of homelessness

9/19/2025

"Partners working throughout Springfield and Sangamon County to address homelessness do so for a variety of reasons. The overwhelming motivation is compassion and concern for those in our community facing incredible hardships. Compassion and empathy are crucial elements of work that involves walking alongside neighbors who have endured trauma and helping them pursue stability and the lives they hope for."

Join the Heartland HOUSED team! Now Hiring: Street Outreach Specialist

9/16/2025

To apply for our Street Outreach Specialist position, email your resume and three letters of recommendation to josh@heartlandhoused.org by October 7th at 4 PM.

Heartland HOUSED City Council Update

8/12/2025

On August 12, City of Springfield City Council discussed an ordinance regarding continuing to match the contribution of Sangamon County of $250,000 to support the work of Heartland HOUSED. You can review the information and data shared with Council members below.

100 Day Challenge on Veteran Homelessness Final Report

8/5/2025

In this report, you’ll find a summary of the key findings, strategic recommendations, and the critical next steps required to reach functional zero for veterans experiencing homelessness in Sangamon County.

The Hidden Health Crisis: Why Homelessness is a Matter of Life and Death in Our Community

7/28/2025

When we talk about homelessness, it's easy to focus on the lack of a roof over someone's head. But for people experiencing homelessness, it's also a profound health crisis that often goes unseen. This report sheds light on the serious health issues and early deaths faced by our neighbors without stable housing, right here in Springfield/Sangamon County.

Illinois Times: City, County and Capital Township Support Fuels Homeless System Successes

7/28/2025

"As we reach the strategic plan’s midway point, one clear reality is that much of the success achieved in the last two years would not have been possible without the support provided by the city, county and Capital Township. This system-level support has enabled Heartland HOUSED to hire staff and build the infrastructure necessary to improve the effectiveness of our system and sustain continuous improvement efforts. While much work remains, our community has seen clear wins in moving toward more effectively addressing homelessness."

Heartland HOUSED May/June Update

7/7/2025

We create reports every two months to keep the community up to date on current efforts to improve the system of care available for folks experiencing homelessness in Springfield and Sangamon County. Take some time to learn more about our work.

2025 HCoC Youth Homelessness Analysis

6/11/2025

The Heartland Continuum of Care recently conducted the "YOU COUNT!" survey, a short questionnaire aimed at better understanding the needs of youth in Springfield and Sangamon County.

Funding Opportunity: FY 26 Emergency Solutions Grant

6/5/2025

Letters of Intent must be submitted by 5 PM on June 10th.

Illinois Times: Heartland HOUSED Expands Community Outreach Efforts

5/20/2025

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 Launches Heartland Connect Mobile App

5/16/2025

Heartland HOUSED has launched the Heartland Connect app, a mobile tool designed to enhance street outreach and connect individuals experiencing homelessness in Springfield and Sangamon County with vital services.

Heartland HOUSED March/April Update

5/15/2025

We create reports every two months to keep the community up to date on current efforts to improve the system of care available for folks experiencing homelessness in Springfield and Sangamon County. Take some time to learn more about our work.