SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - Homelessness is a complex issue that cannot be solved overnight. In Springfield, a $2 million investment aims to provide permanent solutions and rapid rehousing.Â
"It's extremely important to understand that homelessness is, a lot of times, due to few options, few affordable options. It's not a matter a lot of times of, pulling yourself up by the bootstraps," Helping Hands Executive Director Robert Gillespie said.Â
Helping Hands is more than a shelter. It works with individuals to determine housing plans, offer disability resources, and provide long-term housing. In 2024, the organization moved from its downtown location to a bigger space on 2200 Shale Street. This new space helps the nonprofit serve three times as many people as the previous location.
Gillespie said in the previous location, the maximum capacity was 55 people, but on a busy night, Shale Street has had about 190 people inside the shelter.Â
"The goal is to try and keep people stabilized in housing and connected to services, so that they are able to live successful, independent lives," Gillespie said. Â
While the funds are beneficial, the organization said there is still a lot of work to do. Â
"We need people who are dedicated to not just seeing individuals who have profound mental health issues, but we also need more supportive services that are directed to people who have mental health challenges that make it difficult for them to live independently," Gillespie said. Â
Helping Hands said those who are unhoused are some of the most vulnerable people in the community. This new funding is a part of a bigger statewide investment that aims to provide some relief.Â
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