The United Way of Champaign County is leading the response to provide emergency family shelter in Champaign County. The City of Champaign is partnering with the United Way, City of Urbana, Champaign County Regional Planning Commission, Regional Office of Education, First United Methodist Church Champaign-Austin’s Place, University of Illinois Office of Volunteer Programs and the Council of Service Providers to the Homeless on this endeavor. In FY 2012/13, the Champaign City Council set-aside $50,000 for the acquisition or renovation of a facility for this purpose.
On February 11, the United Way announced a pilot program, in conjunction with the Regional Planning Commission, that will provide short-term accommodations and immediate case management support. The program serves families with children (year round) and will also serve single women through March 31st.
The goal is to provide triage; get families off the street, identify current challenges facing the family, develop strategies to address highest priorities, seek transitional or permanent housing options and move the family on to a stable environment. This pilot project, not yet located in a permanent facility, will allow the partners to assess the true need and make recommendations for a permanent solution moving forward, including the use of the City’s $50,000 for capital improvements. Any questions regarding this project can be directed to Neighborhood Programs Manager Kerri Spear at 403.7070 or [email protected].