Resources

Heartland HOUSED works to maintain information about community services. The list below is not exhaustive, and we recommend calling 211 to learn about other services that are available. Download a printable version of contact information for basic services.

Behavioral Health Services

Memorial Behavioral Health - 710 N. 8th street - 217-525-1064

Mobile Crisis Response - 217-788-7070 ; 24/7; 365 days a year

  • Demographic Served: Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or emotional distress
  • Qualifications: No restrictions – all ages, all insurances
  • Eligibility Criteria: Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or emotional distress
  • Referral Process: Phone call
  • Geography served: Sangamon, Menard, Logan, Mason, Christian, Cass, Scott, Morgan Counties

MBH - Access
Monday-Friday; 8:00-4:00

  • Demographic Served: All ages
  • Qualifications: All ages, mental health concern
  • Eligibility Criteria: Anyone experiencing a mental health concern
  • Referral Process: Walk into a Memorial Behavioral Health location, or phone intake appointment
  • Geography served: Sangamon, Menard, Logan, Mason, Christian, Scott, Morgan Counties

Individual Therapy

  • Demographic Served: 3 and up.
  • Qualifications: Anyone having difficulty functioning as a result of mental health symptoms.
  • Eligibility Criteria: Anyone experiencing a mental health concern
  • Referral Process: Walk into a Memorial Behavioral Health location, or phone intake appointment
  • Geography served: Sangamon, Menard, Logan, Mason, Christian, Scott, Morgan Counties

Project for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH)

  • Demographic Served: Adult
  • Qualifications: Meet criteria for SMI diagnosis, Meet HUD definition of homeless (shelter or street homeless), or at imminent risk of homelessness. Must want to attend appointments and work towards housing
  • Eligibility Criteria: 18 and over, Do not need a payor source
  • Referral Process: Walk into a Memorial Behavioral Health location, or phone intake appointment
  • Geography served: Sangamon County

Adult Community Support Service (CSS)

  • Demographic Served: Adult
  • Qualifications:  Adult care management services are intended for individuals that need support in the community. They should be exhibiting difficulties functioning in the community which can include: multiple and frequent inpatient psych admissions, excessive use of the ER with poor follow up/engagement, repeated issues with the legal system (secondary to mental health issues), poor medication compliance, difficulty accessing and maintaining compliance with health care or psychiatric providers, poor response to medications, difficulty obtaining and maintaining basic needs independently
  • Eligibility Criteria: Age 18 or older, Mental Health Diagnosis, willing to be seen in person at least twice per month, in the home and community, Medicaid only (Medicaid, Aetna, Blue Cross Community, Molina, and Meridian)
  • Referral Process: Walk into a Memorial Behavioral Health location, or phone intake appointment
  • Geography served: Residing within Sangamon, Logan, Mason, or Menard County

Individual Placement Support (IPS)

  • Demographic Served: Adult
  • Qualifications: Clients should have a mental health diagnosis that is interfering with their ability to obtain and/or maintain employment. IPS is not a job placement service and they do not have jobs to provide to clients. What they are able to do is assist clients in finding job openings, completing a resume, completing applications, preparing for interviews, establishing routines and reinforcing coping skills to help maintain employment when it is obtained. They are able to speak with employers/managers when appropriate and with client permission to help problem solve if clients are struggling with their job duties.
  • Eligibility Criteria: Age 18 or older, Mental Health Diagnosis, residing within Springfield
  • Referral Process: Walk into a Memorial Behavioral Health location, or phone intake appointment
  • Geography served: Sangamon County

Youth Community Support Service (CSS)

  • Demographic Served: Children under the age of 18
  • Qualifications: No restrictions – all ages, all insurances
  • Eligibility Criteria: Under the age of 18, Mental Health Diagnosis, willing to be seen in person at least twice per month, in the home and community, Medicaid only (Medicaid, Aetna, Blue Cross Community, Molina, and Meridian)
  • Referral Process: Walk into a Memorial Behavioral Health location, or phone intake appointment
  • Geography served: Sangamon, Logan, Mason, Morgan, Scott, Christian or Menard County

First Episode Psychosis (FEP)

  • Demographic Served: Adult, Children
  • Qualifications for Program: Ages 14 – 40
  • Eligibility Criteria: Experiencing psychosis symptoms for the first time in the past 18 months.
  • Referral Process: Walk into a Memorial Behavioral Health location, or phone intake appointment
  • Geography served: Sangamon, Menard, Logan, Mason, Christian, Scott, Morgan Counties

Additional Programs:

Farm Family Resource Initiative - SIU Medicine 

  • Telehealth counseling sessions with SIU Medicine counselors are available for those in need of additional support. Up to six individual, couple or group sessions are available at no cost to the farmer or farm family member. 
  • Call or text  1-833-FARM-SOS (833-327-6767)
  • Email – FarmFamilyResourceHelpline@mhsil.com

Peace Rooms

  • A Memorial Behavioral Health therapist will be on site at all three Springfield District 186 high schools to provide mental health support through individual counseling, group sessions or even mediation between students.
  • The Peace Rooms are confidential and free to all students at Lanphier, Southeast and Springfield High Schools with no required assessments, paperwork or bills. 
  • Students may utilize the support for issues including: struggles with friends, family or significant others; school pressures like academics or athletics; bullying; social media challenges; experiencing anxiety, depression or stress; facing prejudice, racism or sexism; or fear for the well-being of peers.

Mosaic Program

  • The Children’s MOSAIC Project is a community-wide partnership intended to make children’s mental health services easier to access.
    • MOSAIC is active in Athens: Athens Jr. High School and Athens High School.
    • MOSAIC is active in Lincoln: Central Elementary, Northwest Elementary, Washington-Monroe Elementary, Lincoln Junior High, Chester East Lincoln, New Holland Middletown, West Lincoln Broadwell.
    • MOSAIC is active in Riverton: Riverton Elementary, Riverton Middle and Riverton High Schools. No application for services is required for services in Riverton.
    • MOSAIC is active in Springfield: Black Hawk Elementary, Douglas Alternative, Enos Elementary, Fairview Elementary, Feitshans Elementary, Graham Elementary, Grant Middle, Harvard Park Elementary, Jefferson Middle, Lanphier High, Matheny-Winthrow Elementary, McClernand Elementary, Southeast High, Springfield Learning Academy, Washington Middle.

Westlake Residential/Crisis Center

Supervised Residential

  • The Supervised Residential program provides support and daily living activity skill building for adults 21 years and older with pervasive mental health symptoms that have not been successful living in the community. Services are provided in both individual and group settings both on-site and in the community to help individuals build the skills that they need to return to independent living in the community. Individuals must be able to functionally meet their own basic needs. They must have Medicaid and Managed Medicaid  and a source of income to pay the monthly program fee.

Crisis Residential

  • Option for clients 18yrs old and up.
  •  To refer, Mobile Crisis Response must complete an assessment and refer.
  • Crisis Center is voluntary. 
  • Located on our West Lake campus, this is a 6 bed facility that is a short term, voluntary place for clients who are experiencing a mental health crisis and need more support than just outpatient appointments but not quite inpatient care.  Typical stays are 3-5 days/nights. Once admitted to crisis, clients are expected to remain on campus until discharge

Not Guilt Reason of Insanity (NGRI) Community Conditional Release Program

  • An enhanced residential/transition program to assist individuals found by the court system to be “not guilty by reason of insanity” transition from inpatient treatment at state hospitals across Illinois, through our monitored and supportive residential program, to independent living in the community. Services are continued until the individual is granted full release or meets their Thiem date.

Springfield Memorial Hospital/Inpatient

Adult Psychiatric Unit

  • Springfield Memorial Hospital has a 36-bed Adult Psychiatric Unit offering inpatient.

Psychiatric Response Team (PRT) 

  • Provides crisis assessment and brief, immediate treatment to reduce symptomatology, assess suicidal/homicidal risk, need for behavioral health or other social services, and stabilize current crisis situations. 
  • 24/7, Located in the ERs

Partial Hospitalization Program

  • 18 and up
  • Memorial Partial Hospitalization (MPH) is for adults 18 and older whose depression and/or anxiety interferes with daily living and requires more intensive therapy. Appropriate for patients ready for discharge from an inpatient program, MPH provides highly structured outpatient services and may be an alternative to inpatient care. MPH can help individuals manage anxiety or depressive symptoms that often accompany a serious illness or chronic pain. A compassionate and encouraging therapeutic daytime environment allows people to return home evenings and weekends.
  • Referrals and admissions: Referrals may be made by psychiatrists, psychotherapists, social service agencies and other health professionals, as well as individuals who feel they or a loved one may benefit from MPH services. Call 217–757–2455 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Behavioral Health Consultant Program

  • Consists of licensed clinicians embedded within Memorial Care’s, primary care settings. They serve adults, children, and families by providing patients at their particular clinic with a variety of services. The BHCs consult with the treatment teams, provide linkage and referral to needed specialized and community resources, and maintain regular contact with the treatment team at their site.  This is a short-term model of care and the BHCs can coordinate services for longer-term care options depending upon patient needs. If a patient is interested in seeing a BHC for services, they are encouraged to talk to their Memorial Care provider who can schedule their appointment.

Emergency Shelters

Contact Ministries - 1100 East Adams St - 217-753-3939 ext. 22
Hours: 5 pm to 8 am; 365 days a year

  • Demographic Served: Anyone who identifies as a woman with a state-issued ID reflecting female as their gender and children. 
  • Eligibility criteria: Will accept anyone seeking emergency shelter who is a Sangamon County resident or the immediate surrounding counties. Must have a photo ID for each adult. An adult entering the shelter must have custody, or guardianship, for any child accompanying them. A birth certificate or medical card is required and proof of guardianship may be asked for.
  • Referral Process: No referral is needed

Helping  Hands - 2200 Shale Street - 217-522-0048
Hours: 24/7; 365 days a year

  • Demographic Served: Men and Women 18+
  • Eligibility criteria: Must have a photo ID and not be a registered sex offender.
  • Referral Process: No referral is needed
  • Geography Served: Springfield/ Sangamon County

Sojourn Shelter and Services - 1800 Westchester Blvd. - 217-726-5200
Hours: 24/7; 365 days a year

  • Demographic Served: Anyone who is a survivor of domestic violence.
  • Eligibility criteria: Be a survivor of domestic violence.
  • Referral Process: Contact the 24/7 hotline at 217-726-5200
  • Geography served: Sangamon, Christian, Menard, Montgomery and Logan Counties

Emergency Youth Shelters

Youth Service Bureau - 2901 Normandy Rd. Springfield, IL - 217-529-8300

Hours: 5 pm to 8 am; 365 days a year

  • Demographic served: Youth who are 14 to 23 years of age who lack safe and stable housing.
  • Eligibility Criteria: youth experiencing literal homelessness
  • Referral Process: Call YSB or the Crisis Intervention Response System for assistance with placement of at risk youth: 1-877-870-2663
**24/7 services are available to youth who have been locked out of their home/parents will not allow them to return home, or have run away from home, or are beyond the control of parents and in immediate physical danger or homeless without their parents. DCFS wards are not eligible for CCBYS Services.

Youth Service Bureau

YSB receives funding form IDHS’ Homeless Youth Program to ensure youth are safe, stable, and self sufficient. Services provided include: Outreach, Emergency Shelter/Services, Housing options, Advocacy and Life Skills training. 
Referral process: Phone call from a youth in need of service, parent or guardian, school staff, social service agency, or law enforcement office
YSB also receives funding through IDHS’ Comprehensive Community Based Youth Services program to increase family reunification/preserve and stabilize families; and to divert or minimize involvement in the child welfare and/or juvenile justice systems.
Eligibility criteria: Youth 11 to 17 years of age, Youth who are at risk of involvement with the child welfare system, Youth who are at risk of involvement with the juvenile justice system

Fair Housing

HOPE Fair Housing Center:

  • HOPE is proud to share these self-advocacy guides on several new, emerging topics in fair housing.
    • Eviction
    • Home Appraisal
    • Arrest and Conviction Record
    • Source of Income
  • Land of Lincoln Legal Aid
    • At Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, they work to provide free legal aid to families and individuals in need throughout central and southern Illinois. This agency handles certain kinds of civil cases. The kind of help they provide to clients ranges from telephone advice and brief service to representation in court or at administrative hearings.
      • They provide legal assistance in the following areas of law:

Illinois Housing Development Authority 

Health Services

  • Gateway Foundation: 2200 Lake Victoria Dr. / 2323 Adlai Stevenson Dr. - Admissions: 217-529-9266 ext. 2696 - Hotline: 877-505-HOPE (4673)
    • Alcohol and drug treatment programs. DUI evaluations and services. Utilize MAR
    • Qualifications for the Program: Anyone 17.5 years or older with substance or alcohol use. 
    • Eligibility Criteria: Substance Use Disorder
    • Referral Process: Walk-in consultations on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm.
    • Geography served: Statewide program
  • Family Guidance Center: 120 N 11th St. - Admissions: 217-544-9858
    • Substance use treatment, medication-assisted treatment. Residential and out patient.
    • Qualifications for the Program: Adult population, accepts all forms of insurance and non-insurance patients.
    • Eligibility Criteria: Substance Use Disorder 
    • Referral Process: Community members can walk into the clinic Monday-Friday from 6am to 6pm for a substance abuse screen and connection to appropriate services. 
    • Geography served: Sangamon County, Region 4 
  • SIU Family Medicine - Salvation Army Clinic: 1600 E Clear Lake - 217-545-8000 ext. 1600
    • Hours: Wednesday Mornings: 8am to 11:30 am
    • Referral Process: Clients can self-refer by walking in for services during Wednesday mornings. Service providers can reach out directly to Dr. Harless for coordination and assistance. Appointments can also be scheduled with Dr. Harless on Wednesday mornings by calling SIU Family Medicine at 217-545-8000.
    • Qualifications for Program: Anyone in need of medical care. 
    • Best way to contact: 217-545-8000 to schedule appointments, email Dr. Harless directly for coordination if needed (kharless45@siumed.edu)
  • SIU Family Medicine: Recovery Access Clinic (RAC): 319 E. Madison St. Suite 1F - 217-545-4781
    • Hours: Thursdays 1-4pm
    • The Recovery Access Clinic (RAC) is designed to help anyone seeking help with substance use, including withdrawal from alcohol, opioid and stimulants. Each patient will be screened to make sure we can provide the care they require. In some cases patients may need to be routed to the hospital. Additionally, patients interested in learning more about recovery are welcome to come and discuss ways we can help. Withdrawal management of alcohol, opioids and other substances, STI testing, HIV testing, Hepatitis testing, Wound care related to drug or substance use
    • Qualifications: Open to all ages. Do not have to be a SIU patient to be seen. 
    • Recovery Access Clinic Team: Medical Provider, Nurses, Peer Recovery Specialist, Behavioral Therapist
    • No appointment necessary.
  • SHaRI ProJECT – Phoenix Center: Springfield Harm Reduction Initiative: 217-528-5253
    • SHaRI (Springfield Harm Reduction Initiative) Project is the Center’s program to provide supplies to individuals in active drug use to reduce the number of new infections of HIV and HCV. As a participant individuals have access to supplies, education, Narcan training and distribution, linkage to medical care and referrals for other services.
    • Qualifications: Individuals must enroll in the program and they must present their enrollment card at each visit.
    • Referral Process: Call or walk in to Phoenix Center location.
    • Eligibility Criteria: Any individual in need of services.
    • Geography served: Sangamon, Morgan, Macoupin, Christian, Macon, Adams, Scott, Schuyler, Pike, Cass, Menard, Montgomery, Macoupin, Jersey and Logan counties.
  • Fifth Street Renaissance - Wellness on Wheels (WOW) Mobile Services - 217-544-5040
    • Free HIV/HEP C/STI Testing services
    • Free Narcan and Condom Distribution 
    • Year Round - Statewide program
  • Intricate Minds: Overdose Prevention Education and Narcan Distribution: 217-303-9584
    • Eligibility Criteria: Any individual in need of services. 
    • Referral Process: Referrals are based on community service offerings and participant needs. 
    • Geography served: City of Springfield 

Homeless Prevention

Heartland HOUSED Housing Helpline: Provides assistance navigating available resources.

217-803-5235/ M-F 9-4pm

Fifth Street Renaissance Homeless Prevention Program: 217-803-5235
  • The Homeless Prevention Program provides rental/mortgage assistance, utility assistance, approved case management and approved supportive services directly related to the prevention of homelessness to eligible individuals and families who are in danger of eviction, foreclosure or homelessness or are currently homeless. The program is designed to stabilize individuals and families in their existing homes, shorten the amount of time that individuals and families stay in shelters and assist individuals and families with securing affordable housing.
  • Qualifications: The household must document a temporary economic crisis beyond its control and must be able to demonstrate an ability to meet the prospective rental/utility obligations after the assistance has been granted based on current or anticipated income.
  • Eligibility criteria: Households where a crisis has occurred, and documentation to prove the crisis must be submitted
  • Dates of program: Year round
  • Referral Process: Call the Heartland HOUSED Helpline
  • Geography served: Sangamon County

Abundant Faith: Rent/Utility Assistance (EFSP): 217-527-1006
  • Qualifications: Households who are at-risk of homelessness or termination of services due to an inability to make payment for various reasons.
  • Eligibility criteria: Inability to make payment due to homelessness, disaster, income level, lost employment, etc.
  • Dates of program: Seasonal
  • Referral Process: Walk/call-in and referrals from other agencies
  • Geography served: Sangamon County

Salvation Army: Emergency Rent/Utility EFSP: 217-525-2196
  • Qualifications: Any community member experiencing imminent risk of homelessness or disconnection of utility services.
  • Eligibility Criteria: Eviction or disconnect notice and experiencing a hardship (documentation of loss of employment or benefits, medical, change in household composition, fleeing DV, etc.)
  • Dates of program: Year-round
  • Referral Process: Self-referral or via agency
  • Geography served: Sangamon County 

Legal Aid

Land of Lincoln Legal Aid: 3085 Stevenson Dr., Suite 202 217-525-2196

  • At Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, they work to provide free legal aid to families and individuals in need throughout central and southern Illinois. This agency handles certain kinds of civil cases. The kind of help they provide to clients ranges from telephone advice and brief service to representation in court or at administrative hearings.

State Appellate Defender: 217-782-3654 

  • Overview: Information on expungement and/or some criminal records.

Capital Township

  • 217-525-1736
  • Services:
    • Prescription assistance
    • Rental assistance
    • Utility assistance

Meals/Food Pantries

Pantries 
  • Abundant Faith: Manna Storehouse Food Pantry - 301 West Reynolds - 217-585-4000
    • Hours: Every Tuesday from 4:30-6:30 pm
    • Referral Process: No referral is needed;
    • Qualifications for Program: Homeless to low-income households
    • Eligibility Criteria: Households experiencing homelessness or have low-income.
    • Geography served: Sangamon County
  • Fifth Street Renaissance Food Pantry: 1315 N 5th Street - 217-544-5040
    • Hours: Wednesday from 11am to 1pm 
    • Referral Process: No referral is needed
    • Qualifications: Any household in need
    • Eligibility Criteria: Must bring valid ID
  • Intricate Minds: Food Pantry: 217-303-9586
    • Referral Process: Call to inquire about food availability. 
    • Eligibility Criteria: Any individual in need of services.
    • Geography served: City of Springfield 
  • Kumler Outreach Ministries Food PantryOutreach Center - 303 N. Grand Ave - 217-523-2269
    • Hours: Weekday from 9 a.m. to noon 
    • Referral Process: A social service agency, e.g. Salvation Army, Contact Ministries, Catholic Charities, can call to provide a a referral. A person can access the pantry once every 30 days.
  • Salvation Army Emergency Food Pantry: 1600 E Clear Lake Avenue
    • Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 9-3 year-round
    • Eligibility Criteria: Households must complete intake and provide ID for all adults and proof of address for all members living in the home once per year. Households are eligible to receive a food order once per calendar month. Head of household must provide ID at each visit.
    • Referral Process: No referral is required
  • St. Martin de Porres: 1725 S. Grand Avenue
    • Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday: 9-11 am 
    • Distribution of free food and clothing
  • Washington Street Mission: 408 N 4th Street - 217-544-9858
    • Hours: Open 7:30-10:30am, 12:30-3:30pm Mon-Fri
    • Indoor seating area (w/ coffee) available, laundry and showers available (sign up during coffee hours)
Meals
  • St. John’s Breadline: 430 N. 5th Street 217-528-6098
    • Hours: Breakfast 8-9am and Lunch 10:30am-1:30pm; Monday - Friday
    • Qualifications for the Program: Anyone who self-identifies as needing food
  • Pregnancy Care Center of Springfield - "Food for Two" : 217-525-5630
    • Hours: Tues-Thurs 9am-4:30pm
  • WIC- Food for Women & Children: 217-535-3102 
    • WIC is a special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children who meet residency, nutrition and income requirements. The program provides healthy foods, advice and referrals to pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women so that they can stay strong and help their children. Infants receive benefits during their first year while children receive benefits up to age five.
    • Referral Process: Call or walk-in to the Sangamon County Department of Health building 
  • Senior Services Daily Bread Program: 217- 528-4035, ext. 121
    • Home delivered meals: 217- 528-4035, ext. 123
      • Homebound seniors 60 years of age and over, without dietary restrictions.
      • Suggested donation of $5.00, not required.
    • Daily Bread program site: 701 W. Mason (217) 528-4035, ext. 121
      • Lunch provided Monday -Friday
      • Call a day in advance for a reservation 

Miscellaneous Resources

  • Clean Slate Advocates Inc: From Soap to Hope: 801 S. Grand avenue east - 217-610-5844  
    • Qualifications: Anyone who is experiencing challenges with getting laundry clean or can’t afford to wash and dry laundry.
    • Eligibility Criteria: Available to everyone, irrespective of their financial status or societal standing.
    • Referral Process: No referral is required, simply walk into All in One Laundry Center and Services, reference “From Soap to Hope Challenge”, answer a couple of questions, and you are good to go! CSA will provide free laundry services.
    • Dates of Program: Year-round
    • Geography served: Sangamon County 
  • Sojourn Shelter and Services: Crisis Management Services - 217-726-5200
    • Eligibility criteria: Any individual who identifies as a survivor of domestic violence
    • Referral Process: No referrals are needed. We ask to speak to the individual directly if they are interested in our services.
    • Geography served: Sangamon, Christian, Montgomery, Menard, and Logan counties.
  • Sojourn Shelter and Services: Court Services - 217-726-5200
    • Eligibility criteria : Any individual who identifies as a survivor of domestic violence
    • Referral Process: Victims of domestic violence who need help with court services can call Sojourn or see us at the Sangamon County building for assistance.
    • Geography served: Sangamon, Christian, Montgomery, Menard, and Logan counties.
  • Sojourn Shelter and Services: Group Services - 217-726-5200
    • Eligibility criteria : Any individual who identifies as a survivor of domestic violence
    • Referral Process: No referral needed. We ask to speak to the individual directly to set up services. We offer residential and non-residential group services.
    • Geography served: Sangamon, Christian, Montgomery, Menard, and Logan counties.
  • How to replace lost or stolen ID cards:
  • Sangamon County Resource Guide:
  • Washington Street Mission: 408 N 4th street217-544-9858
    • Hours:
      • Mon-Fri: 7:30-10:30am and 12:30-3:30pm
      • SaturdayBreakfast and Worship Service: 8:30 am- 10:00 am
    • Basic Needs Services:
      • Warming and Cooling Center
      • Food and Coffee Served Daily
      • Laundry and Shower Services
      • Clothing Hall
    • Anger Management Classes
      • Every Monday and Thursday at 1pm.

Permanent Supportive Housing

The only way to access to Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) and Rapid Rehousing Programs (RRH) is through the Coordinated Entry System. Download a list of Coordinated Entry Access Points.

  • Abundant Faith: Haven and Hope Place Apartments: 217-527-1006
    • Demographic Served: Haven: Single women or women with children who have a physical or mental disability; Hope Place: Individuals and families (men and women) who are low-income
    • Eligibility criteria: Haven: Mental or physical disability, lack of permanent housing or at risk of losing permanent housing, homeless or at risk of homelessness; Hope Place: Low-income
    • Referral Process: Walk-ins or referrals from other agencies
    • Year-round program
    • Geography served: Sangamon County
  • Cook Street Renaissance Permanent Supportive Housing - 217-528-1405 * Does not go through CES.* 
    • Demographic served: Single adult household
    • Eligibility criteria: Low and extremely low-income individuals
    • Referral Process: 
    • Year-round program
    • Geography served: Springfield
  • Helping Hands: 217-522-0048
    • Demographic Served: Single Adult household.
    • Eligibility criteria for the program: Chronically homeless; HUD's criteria
    • Referral Process: Coordinated Entry System. Potential clients can call for a Coordinated Entry Assessment. When housing is available, the next individual is pulled through the Coordinated Entry process, and then housed.
    • Year-round program
    • Geography served for the program: Sangamon County
  • MERCY Communities: 217-744-1126
    • Demographic Served: Families with children under the age of 18
    • Eligibility criteria for the program: Chronically homeless families, HUD's criteria
    • Referral Process: Coordinated Entry System. Potential clients can call for a Coordinated Entry Assessment. When housing is available, the next client’s family is pulled through the Coordinated Entry process, and then housed.
    • Year-round program
    • Geography served for the program: Sangamon County, extenuating circumstances for outside the county (Fleeing DV, no shelter nearby, etc.)

Rapid Rehousing

The only way to access to Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) and Rapid Rehousing Programs (RRH) is through the Coordinated Entry System. Download a a list of Coordinated Entry Access Points.

  • Helping Hands: 217-522-0048
    • Demographic Served: Single adult household.
    • Eligibility criteria: HUD's definition of homelessness, Category 1 or 4 Homelessness status 
    • Referral Process: Coordinated Entry System. Potential clients can call for a Coordinated Entry Assessment. When housing is available, the next individual is pulled through the Coordinated Entry process, and then housed.
    • Year-round program
    • Geography served for the program: Sangamon County
  • Fifth Street Renaissance: 217-544-5040 
    • Demographic served: Single adult household. 
    • Eligibility criteria: HUD's definition of homelessness, Category 1 or 4 Homelessness status
    • Referral Process: Coordinated Entry System. Potential clients can call for a Coordinated Entry Assessment. When housing is available, the next individual is pulled through the Coordinated Entry process, and then housed.
    • Year-round program
    • Geography served for the program: Sangamon County
  • MERCY Communities: 217-744-1126 
    • Demographic Served: Families with children under age 18.
    • Eligibility criteria: HUD's definition of homelessness, Category 1 or 4 Homelessness status
    • Referral Process: Coordinated Entry System. Potential clients can call for a Coordinated Entry Assessment. When housing is available, the next family is pulled through the Coordinated Entry process, and then housed.
    • Year-round program
    • Geography served for the program: Sangamon County, extenuating circumstances for outside the county (Fleeing DV, no shelter nearby, etc.)
  • Phoenix Center: 217-528-5253
    • Demographic Served: Adult individuals who are homeless and HIV+ and/or identify as LGBTQ+
    • Eligibility criteria: HUD's definition of homelessness, Category 1 or 4 Homelessness status
    • Referral Process: Coordinated Entry System. Potential clients can call for a Coordinated Entry Assessment. When housing is available, the next individual is pulled through the Coordinated Entry process, and then housed.
    • Year- Round Program
    • Geography served for the program: Sangamon County

Re-Entry Guide

  • Re-Entry Resource Guide: Sangamon County
    • This Guide is a list of resources and services that are currently available in Sangamon County. These resources and services could help a person returning to this County after imprisonment–if and when a person needs help.
  • SING
  • Fifth Street Renaissance Reintegration Program217-544-5040
    • Program overview: The program works to identify and secure housing, health and social service in “downstate” Illinois. The primary goal is to prevent the spread of HIV and enable more productive lifestyles. This program also aims to ensure medical compliance, an appropriate service and referral system, and a reduction in recidivism to incarceration.
    • Demographic served: Individuals who have been release from IDOC, Federal Bureau of Prisons facilities, or County/City jails and are HIV+.
    • Eligibility Criteria: History of incarceration or recently incarcerated.
    • Referral process: 
    • Geography served for the program: Statewide - county jails

Rental Assistance

  • Abundant Faith: Rent/Utility Assistance (EFSP): 217-527-1006
    • Qualifications for Program: Households who are at risk of homelessness or termination of services due to an inability to make payment for various reasons.
    • Eligibility criteria: Inability to make payment due to homelessness, disaster, income level, lost employment, etc.  
    • Referral Process: Walk/call-in and referrals from other agencies 
    • Seasonal Program
    • Geography served for the program: Sangamon County
  • Catholic Charities
    • When available, Catholic Charities provides food, clothing/household vouchers, or rent and utility assistance.
  • Community Services Block Grant (Sangamon Co. Dept. of Community Resources)
    • Assistance up to $800 for eligible applicants impacted by a hardship or crisis.
    •  217-535-3120
    • See flyer here
  • Court-Based Rental Assistance (Illinois Housing Development Authority)
    • Assistance for those who are in a court eviction proceeding due to nonpayment and meet other requirements.
    • Under the state-funded rental assistance program, households facing eviction can receive up to $15,000 in rental assistance, which can pay past-due rent, up to $500 in court costs and up to two months of future rent.
    • Eligible tenants have to make 80% or less of the area median income. Renters do not have to prove their citizenship status and must have an active eviction case due to nonpayment of rent to qualify.
    • And for tenants whose landlords are unwilling to participate in the program, the state will offer up to two months of future rent payments to help them find a new place to live.
    • See how to apply here
    • 866-454-3571
  • Salvation Army: Emergency Rent/Utility EFSP: 217-525-2196 
    • Qualifications for Program: Any community member experiencing imminent homelessness or disconnection of utility services.  
    • Eligibility Criteria: Eviction or disconnect notice and experiencing a hardship (documentation of loss of employment or benefits, medical, change in household composition, fleeing DV, etc.) 
    • Referral Process: Self-referral or via agency 
    • Year-round program
    • Geography served: Sangamon County 

Senior Services

  • Ollie House
    • Demographic Served: Individuals 60 years of age or older in need of housing. 
    • Referral Process: Contact Monte Turner by phone or email with a referral
    • Year-round program
    • Best way to contact the agency: 217-220-2120 or admin@olliehomecare.com
    • Geography served for the program: Housing offered in Springfield
  • Ollie House Application

Springfield Warming Centers 

  • Helping Hands of Springfield: 2200 Shale St. - 217-522-0048
    • Hours:
      • Overnight shelter: 5pm - 7am 
      • Warming Center: 8am-5pm
      • Day services: 8am - 4pm
  • Lincoln Library: 326 S. Seventh St. - 217-753-4900
    • Hours:
      • Mon-Wed: 10 am - 8 pm 
        Thurs- Sat: 10 am - 5 pm 
        Sun (Oct-April): 1-5 pm
  • Intricate Minds: 619 North Grand East - 217-761-9209
    • Hours:
      • Mon-Thurs: 12pm - 9pm
  • Municipal Center East: 800 E Monroe St.
    • Hours:
      • Mon-Fri: 8 am - 5 pm
  • Municipal Center West: 300 S Seventh St.
    • Hours:
      • Mon-Fri: 8 am - 5 pm
  • Office of Community Relations: 1450 Groth St.
    • Hours:
      • Mon-Fri: 8 am - 4:30 pm
  • Salvation Army Main Campus:1600 Clearlake Ave - 217-525-2196
    • Hours:
      • Mon-Fri 9 am - 4 pm
  • St John's Breadline: 430 N 5th street - 217-528-6098
    • Hours:
      • Mon.-Fri. 8:00am-9:00am Breakfast
      • Mon.-Fri. 10:30am-1:30pm Lunch
      • Sat.-Sun. and Holidays 10:30am-1:30pm Lunch
  • Washington Street Mission: 408 N Fourth St. - 217-544-9011
    • Hours:
      • Mon-Fri 7:30 am - 10:30 am (coffee and pastries)
      • Mon-Fri 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm (day services)
      • Sat: 8 am - 10 am (breakfast)

Transitional Housing

  • Abundant Faith: Haven House: 217-527-1006
    • Demographic Served: A single parent (man or woman) with 4-6 minor children
    • Eligibility criteria for the program: Low-income
    • Referral Process: Walk-ins and referrals from other agencies
    • Year-round program
    • Geography served for the program: Sangamon County
  • Contact Ministries: 217-753-3939 ext. 22
    • Demographic Served: Women with children, girls of any age, and boys through age 12, who want to work towards a healthier future for their family by learning life skills while having a safe, stable environment to reside in.
    • Eligibility criteria: Women must have children and spend at least one night in the Contact Ministries Emergency Shelter for evaluation. An ID for every adult and proof of guardianship along with a birth certificate or medical card for each child accompanying is also required. No prior violent felonies are allowed.
    • Referral Process: Most residents are referred to this program after spending at least one night in the Contact Ministries’ Emergency Shelter for Women and Women with Children
    • Year-round program
    • Geography served for the program: Sangamon County but will serve immediate surrounding counties.
  • Fifth Street Renaissance: 217-544-5040
    • Demographic Served: Single Adults
    • Qualifications: Need and desire to reduce recidivism by learning life skills to readapt into independence.
    • Eligibility criteria: Individuals experiencing homelessness
    • Referral Process: Prescreen process to determine eligibility of homelessness.
    • Year-round program
    • Geography served for the program: Sangamon county
  • Inner City Mission: Stability for Life: 217-525-3940
    • Demographic Served: Single women, women, and children, families (two-parent families with children)
    • Eligibility criteria: We are open to help anyone who wants to help themselves and follow the guidelines we set up. There are some exceptions. Exceptions are tied to partner churches or agencies that we work closely with.
    • Referral Process: No formal process, person must call in and check availability.
    • Year-round program
    • Geography served for the program: Sangamon County primarily but also referral from partner
  • MERCY Communities: 217-441-1126
    • Demographic Served: Women with (up to 3) children under age 18 or currently pregnant
    • Eligibility criteria : Homeless according to HUD OR McKinney-Vento Act, goal-oriented program, so must be able and willing to work or further their education.
    • Referral Process: Potential clients may call the intake line at 217-744-1126 to schedule an initial interview/informational session. After all paperwork and the second interview are completed, a waiting list is kept if there are no available units.
    • Best way to contact the agency: 217-744-1126
    • Year-round program
    • Geography served for the program: Sangamon County, extenuating circumstances for outside the county (Fleeing DV, no shelter nearby, etc.)
  • Phoenix Center: 217-528-5253
    • Demographic Served: Single Adults
    • Eligibility criteria: Homeless & HIV+ or homeless and identify as LGBTQ
    • Referral Process: Potential clients can call the main line to check availability of program and obtain further information.
    • Year-round program
    • Geography served for the program: Central IL
  • Solid Rock Youth Transitional Services: 217-572-1269 or 217-500-6957
    • Demographic served: Youth and families impacted by the foster care system.
    • Eligibility criteria: Goal oriented program; must wants to work on housing, life skills, GED/employment assistance, etc.  Transitional program that will assist in this growth process for 6-12 months with participants.
    • Referral Process: Potential clients can call either number listed to check availability of program and obtain further information
    • Year-round program 
    • Geography served: Sangamon County

Transportation

  • Access Springfield Para transit service (Provides Lift-equipped transportation): 217-522-8594
  • AgeLinc Area Agency on Aging for Lincoln land
    • 2731 S. MacArthur Blvd. (Services for those 60 & over)
    • 217-787-9234
  • American Cancer Society (Transportation for Cancer Patients): 217-523-4503
  • Central Illinois HIV Care Consortium: 217-545-7683
  • First Transit (non- emergency medical) 877-725-0569
  • HSHS St. John’s Caregiver Interfaith Volunteer Services: 217-787-6621
  • Senior Services of Central Illinois (Senior Transport): 217-528-4035
  • SMTD Route and Schedule Information: 217-522-5531
  • Molina Healthcare (non-emergency): 844-644-6354
  • Trumbo Transport (non-emergency medical transport): 217-220-5777

Utility Assistance

  • CWLP Project Relief
    • Offers financial assistance to qualifying customers with overdue electric/water bills who are facing service cut-off.
    • Call for an intake interview: 217-789-2414
    • Sign-up for Project Relief begins around December 1 each year, and runs through May or until funds are exhausted.
  • LIHEAP (Sangamon County Community Resources)
    • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
      • For the 2024-2025 program year, LIHEAP with run from October 2, 2023 to August 15, 2024 (or until funds are exhausted).
        Can provide one-time assistance for each program year, paid directly to the utility.
      • To apply, make an appointment through the online portal (https://sangamoncountycommunityresources.as.me/schedule.php).
        • Homeowners who qualify for LIHEAP can also receive weatherization assistance; call 217-535-3120 to be put on the waiting list.
  • LISAP (Sangamon County Community Resources)
    • Low Income Sewer Assistance Program.
      • For the 2024-2025 program year, LISAP with run from October 2, 2023 to August 15, 2024 (or until funds are exhausted).
      • Can provide one-time payment of $100 for current program year.
      • To apply, schedule an appointment by calling 217-535-3120.
        • Households using CWLP with LIHEAP appointments will also be offered the sewer rebate.
  • Warm Neighbors Cool Friends (Ameren), 217-424-6424 Offers financial assistance to low-to-moderate income individuals and families who don’t qualify for federal assistance.
    To apply/determine eligibility: https://www.warmneighborscoolfriends.org/apply
  • Veterans Assistance Commission (Sangamon County Community Resources 
    • One-time emergency assistance (annually) for veterans.

Veteran Services

  • Veterans Family Renaissance (217) 528-0800 (office) - (217) 638-8387(cell) 
    • Demographic served: Single adult households,parent veteran families, or veteran couples. 
    • Eligibility criteriaVeterans experiencing homelessness
    • Referral Process: 
    • Year-round program 
    • Geography served: Sangamon County
  • Supportive Services for Veteran Families– Salvation Army:
    • Overview: Housing stability program for low income Veterans and their Families
    • Best way to contact: 217-525-2196
  • Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs:
    • Overview: Assistance applying for benefits, housing, education and legal aid.
    • Best way to contact: 217-782-6641
  • National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
    • 1-877-424-3838
    • Access to trained VA Counselors
      • These VA staff member asks a few questions to find out what folks need that are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Then, they are connected to the nearest VA staff person who can help.

Youth Services

  • Solid Rock Office and Resource Center: 620 N. Walnut - 217-572-1269 or 217-500-6957
    • Demographic served: Youth and families impacted by the foster care system
    • The resource center offers life skills classes, peer support groups, mentorship, and job/school application assistance. 

24-Hour Services

  • Child Abuse: 800-252-2873
  • CARES Hotline: 800-345-9049 (Youth Experiencing Mental Health Crisis)
  • Department of Veterans Affairs: 800-273-8255
  • Depression & Suicide Hotline for LGBTQ+ young people: 866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678
  • Helpline for Opioids & Other Substances: 833-234-6343
  • National Call Center for Homeless Veterans: 1-877-424-3838
  • National Crisis Text HelpLine: Text START to 741-741
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
  • National Human Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888
  • National Runaway Safeline: 800-786-2929
  • National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-4673
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
  • Sojourn Shelter (Women experiencing domestic violence): 217-726-5200
  • Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
  • Prairie Center Against Sexual Assault: 217-753-8081
  • Memorial Mobile Crisis Response: 217-788-7070