New Helping Hands Shelter opens up in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — After four years of discussions, planning, and construction, the new location for Helping Hands of Springfield is open. Located at 2200 Shale Street, the building will allow Helping Hands to consolidate offices and spaces that were formerly in three separate buildings.

Helping Hands is the largest provider of emergency shelter and supportive housing in Sangamon County and operates within the Heartland Continuum of Care. The shelter is part of the Continuum's strategic plan to bring homelessness to functional zero by 2028. This means anyone who becomes homeless will be able to find housing within 30 days.

"This center has on-site services to meet our clients' most basic needs: shelter, meals, clothing, and sanitary facilities, plus on-site health clinic operated by Central Counties Health Center," said Laura Davis, Executive Director of Helping Hands. "We offer housing-focused case management, connection to employment support, and transportation to the shelter."

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The shelter is divided in separate areas, including low-barrier housing, as well as reserve housing for those in the process of finding permanent homes. There are housing navigators and counseling services on-site to help people get IDs, find employment, and get into homes. Advocates say the goal is to get people to successfully transition into homes.

"This facility will offer programs, teach life skills, and equip residents with the tools they need to navigate the challenges that they face," said Val Yazell, Director of Planning and Economic Development for the City of Springfield. "We understand the importance of not just providing temporary relief for creating pathways to permanent housing. Helping Hands is leading the way in our community and is active actively assisting residents and finding permanent places to live and fostering a sense of stability and security."

The location opened on January 4th, but the ribbon cutting was held today. The $9 million dollar project was funding by the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). For more information, click here.