Table of Contents
| Overview |
| Homelessness Population in Springfield, IL - Stats |
| Causes |
| Agencies |
| References |
Overview
The homeless population in Illinois' capital city has been on the rise in recent years. The city struggles to find solutions to help people get off the streets and maintain a lifestyle to stay off of the streets.
Homelessness Population in Springfield, IL
Springfield 's population reported that 13.6% of the population was living below the poverty line, a 0.2% increase from 2010. In 2021, 13.6% of Springfield’s population was living below the poverty line, which is a 0.2% increase from 2020 [5]. A total of 746 people enter the “local homeless system of care” annually, only 591 people leave the “local homeless system of care,” leaving the net annual to grow 155 people [8]. 260 people will be suffering of homelessness at any point in time and roughly 1,100 people will receive services through homeless prevention programs in 2022 [5]. Springfield has predictions that the homeless population will increase by 70% if changes are not made by 2027 [5].
Causes
One pin pointed cause of homelessness would be children aging out of foster care. According to Alyssa Patrick’s article with WAND, “Pilot program to address root causes of homelessness in Springfield,” she states that children are aging out of foster care programs without the proper tools or life skills [7]. A few other causes include mental health issues, domestic violence, and drug issues. Dean Olsen’s article with the Illinois Times, “City disburses $3 million grant to address homelessness,” he states the grant declared, “Each individual’s reason for becoming homeless is different. Common personal issues that the homeless face are experiencing mental illness, health conditions, loss of employment and aging out of foster care. Additionally, many struggle with substance abuse and domestic violence. [6]“
While there are many causes to homelessness, mental health and drug issues appear to be the top causes.
Resources in Springfield, IL
MERCY Communities: MERCY Communities aids families to live in independence. Serving Springfield since 1999, they currently assist 1,400 mothers and children, growing their agency from 10 property units to 30 property units. In 2022, MERCY Communities served 55 mothers and 101 children [3].
Mission: "To provide housing and supportive services to foster the independence of homeless and at-risk families." [3]
Fifth Street Renaissance: Fifth Street Renaissance offers recovery services and shelter for the homeless population in Springfield, IL. The agency offers many services including housing programs as well as housing and services for veterans. Fifth Street Renaissance prides themselves on providing opportunities to develop job skills and educational opportunities [1].
Mission: "It is our mission at Fifth Street Renaissance to assist individuals and families in difficult situations. We provide resources, transitional housing, opportunities to develop job skills and acquire education, and aid in securing employment. Our aim is to support our clients as they reclaim their self-sufficiency and wellbeing.
We have integrated the mission of the Springfield AIDS Resource Association to assist those individuals diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, their caregivers, and families by locating affordable housing, medical assistance, counseling, and financial responsibility when necessary. The agency also will work to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDs through education, awareness, and prevention." [1]
Helping Hands of Springfield, IL: Helping Hands offers many programs including housing focused emergency shelters, representative payee program, and rapid rehousing.
Mission: "To provide shelter, support, and housing, for people at risk of, or experiencing homelessness in our community." [2]
Washington Street Mission: The Washington Street Mission has provided services in Springfield for over 110 years[4]. The agency provides services such as hot showers, coffee, laundry, and clothing items while teaching through the gospel [4].
References
1. "About the Organization." Fifth Street Renaissance, 2022. https://www.fsr-sara.org/about. Accessed April 2024.
2. "About Us." Helping Hands of Springfield, 2020. https://www.helpinghandsofspringfield.org/about-us. Accessed April 2024.
3. "About Us." MERCY Communities, 2023. www.illinoistimes.com/news-opinion/a-plan-to-combat-homelessness-15703372. Accessed March 2024.
4. "About Us." Washington Street Mission. https://washingtonstreetmission.org/about-us-the-washington-street-mission/. Accessed April 2024.
5. Olsen, Dean. “A Plan to Combat Homelessness.” Illinois Times, 2 May 2024, www.illinoistimes.com/news-opinion/a-plan-to-combat-homelessness-15703372. Accessed April 2024.
6. Olsen, Dean. “City Disburses $3 Million Grant to Address Homelessness.” Illinois Times, 29 Feb. 2024, www.illinoistimes.com/news-opinion/city-disburses-3-million-grant-to-address-homelessness-17556229. Accessed March 2024.
7. Patrick, Alyssa. “Pilot Program to Address Root Causes of Homelessness in Springfield.” WAND, 5 Sept. 2023, www.wandtv.com/news/pilot-program-to-address-root-causes-of-homelessness-in-springfield/article_29ba8ccc-4c59-11ee-9f1b-0bc2b3c305f7.html. Accessed March 2024.
8. “Springfield, IL.” DATAUSA, datausa.io/profile/geo/springfield-il-31000US44100. Accessed April 2024.
