News

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.

Letter of Intent Process Starting for IDHS Shelter Diversion, Rapid Rehousing, and Permanent Supportive Housing Programs

4/23/2025

Letters of Intent and supplemental documents are due by April 30th at 4:30 PM.

Application for IDHS Supportive Housing Program Available

3/27/2025

The State of Illinois is coordinating agency strategies and investments, and partnering with the community to build a strong safety net and permanent housing for Illinoisans facing homelessness and housing insecurity. In coordination with the Illinois' Coordinated Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness, the Supportive Housing Program (SHP) provides grants to qualified applicants (Recipients) to serve formerly homeless individuals and families, those in danger of becoming homeless, and/or people with chronic disabilities (Participants). Created in 2009, the goal of SHP is to help Participants obtain or maintain independent living arrangements in community-based housing.

IDHS FY26 Homelessness Prevention Program Funding Letters of Intent Due

3/27/2025

The Illinois Department of Human Services FY 2026 Homelessness Prevention Program allocation process has begun. The anticipated funding level for Homelessness Prevention for the Heartland Continuum of Care is $400,000 and is subject to change.

Heartland HOUSED January/February 2025 Report

3/12/2025

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 Needs Assessments & Solutions

2/28/2025

Efforts to build an effective system to address homelessness through implementation of Springfield and Sangamon County’s 2022-2028 Strategic Plan to Address Homelessness are built on the foundation of a Housing First model. Recent conversations among community stakeholders have elevated the following needs: improving access to low-barrier shelter, improving access to mental health care services, and improving street outreach efforts. The following document reflects exploration of these stated needs and analysis of local data by the Heartland Continuum of Care Board, Heartland HOUSED Strategy Board, and Heartland HOUSED Lived Experience Advisory Board to propose solutions.

Join the Heartland HOUSED team! Street Outreach Coordinator and Part-Time Street Outreach Specialists Positions Available

1/6/2025

To apply for our Street Outreach positions email your resume and three letters of recommendation to josh@heartlandhoused.org by January 10th at 5 PM.

50-Day Focus on Veteran Homelessness Report

12/16/2024

The Heartland Continuum of Care and local veteran agencies recently completed a 50-day focus on veteran homelessness.

Heartland HOUSED October/November Update

12/2/2024

In 2024, we are creating 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.

HCoC Announces Approved Consolidated Application For FY 2024 HUD CoC Program Application

10/28/2024

Review the approved consolidated application and the approved priority listings for reallocation forms and all new, renewal, and replacement project listings.

Join Our Team: Now Accepting System Support Administrator Applications

10/9/2024

The System Support Administrator assists in the day-to-day operations, supports Heartland HOUSED programs, and manages projects to support the organization’s efforts to end homelessness. The System Support Administrator will organize meetings and events, manage community engagement and communication, compile data and assist in reporting, support the staff's administration of funding, and help lead Heartland Continuum of Care task groups, programs and initiatives. The System Support Administrator also provides high-level support to Heartland HOUSED Strategy Board members, Heartland Continuum of Care Board members and the HCoC General Membership. Identifying grants, managing grants, and improving efforts to monitor community grants focused on homelessness are important parts of the Administrator’s work.

Heartland HOUSED August/September Update

10/1/2024

In 2024, we are creating 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.