Heartland Continuum of Care

05/22/2026

Last November, during the Built For Zero Learning Session in Denver, we had the opportunity to hear Mayor Johnston speak about the strategies and partnerships that helped make this progress possible.

What stood out most was not just the results, but the reminder that reducing homelessness takes an entire community working together with urgency, coordination, and a shared goal. That is exactly the work we are committed to in Springfield through collaboration across agencies, providers, local government leaders, and community partners.

Progress like this does not happen by chance. It happens when communities choose to work together, stay focused on people, and refuse to accept homelessness as inevitable.

05/11/2026

We are excited to welcome our friends from throughout the state to Springfield this week for the Home Illinois Summit!

We hope you have a great visit and while you're here, we'd love for you to check out some of our favorite spots!

05/06/2026

Starting tomorrow, Prairie Center Against Sexual Assault is offering a Women’s Support Group for survivors of adult and childhood sexual assault.

This is a 4-week closed group held at the Washington Street Mission, creating a safe, supportive space to share and process experiences.

🗓 Thursdays beginning May 7
🕝 2:30–3:30 PM

You do not have to attend all four sessions to participate, but you are welcome to attend as many as you can.

If you are interested, please reach out to Amanda M. for more information.

You are not alone. 💙

05/05/2026

Did you lose your SNAP benefits because of the new federal SNAP work requirements?

The federal government made changes to SNAP and some customers lost benefits on May 1, 2026, if they weren’t meeting or exempt from new work requirements.

See if you can file an exemption: https://aberp.illinois.gov/screener/ABAWD?lang=EN

Customers can regain eligibility and meet the new work requirements by working, volunteering, or participating in a training or education program. Visit: SNAPWorkRequirements.illinois.gov

05/04/2026

People experiencing unsheltered homelessness are at higher risk for tick- and mosquito-borne illnesses during the summer months. Prevention matters.

Bug spray = protection.

If you’re able, donate or distribute:
• Bug repellant
• Bug wipes
• Lightweight long sleeves

Add bug spray to your outreach. It’s one of the simplest ways to protect someone’s health.

05/04/2026

Stronger communities start with making sure everyone has a place to call home. We appreciate the good work that Community Solutions continues to do around the country to make that possible.

No one plans to become homeless.

It often begins with something unexpected: a job loss, a medical bill, or rising costs that push someone past the edge.

But what keeps people stuck is often a different story.

Barriers like eviction records, missing documents, or not having an address can make it incredibly hard to move forward.

When we understand both how homelessness starts, and what keeps people there, we can build solutions that actually work because everyone deserves a path back to stability.

05/01/2026

If you’ve ever wanted to make an impact and work within the homelessness response system in Springfield and Sangamon County, we now have a dedicated Job Board page with openings across the HCoC. Updated regularly.

You can find roles in outreach, case management, shelter operations, housing support, and more, all with partner agencies doing this work every day.

Help spread the word so more people can find these opportunities.

Take a look and check back often:

Explore current job openings within the homelessness response system in Springfield and Sangamon County.

04/28/2026

Sojourn Shelter & Services, Inc continues to be a vital resource in our community, providing safety, support, and a path forward for individuals and families impacted by domestic violence. Their work goes far beyond crisis response. They offer real hope, advocacy, and long-term stability for those who need it.

For years, Sojourn has distributed a poster to be taped up or pinned to a door or bulletin board where someone could tear-off our phone number and have it handy just in case. Our new posters are now available at Sojourn. Come by or I can drop some off to you.

04/27/2026

Free, accessible, and here when it matters.

In partnership with the Sangamon County Department of Public Health, Heartland HOUSED is helping place free naloxone (Narcan) throughout the community. These boxes are simple, direct, and lifesaving.

Anyone can take it. Anyone can use it. Anyone can save a life.

With fentanyl present in more and more substances, having Narcan nearby is critical. These community partner boxes make sure it is available when seconds matter.

Learn how to access Narcan or request a box for your location:
https://www.heartlandhoused.org/what-we-do/narcan/

04/24/2026

Love seeing this message out in the community 💙

Spotted on an SMTD bus: a clear reminder that housing is the solution.

Housing creates opportunity. It ends homelessness. It protects futures.

Housing is the solution to homelessness.

This kind of visibility matters. It helps shift the conversation from reaction to solution and reinforces what we know works.

Thank you to the partners helping keep this message front and center across Springfield and Sangamon County.