Supervisor outlines homelessness strategy, warns winter-shelter funding may end

Supervisor Chennowith told the Cunningham Township Board on April 13 that the township is pursuing a multi-pronged approach to reduce homelessness — including a strategic plan, grant applications and changes to shelter programs — but said funding for winter shelter is uncertain.

"We are continuing to work on the strategic plan to end homelessness on behalf of the Champaign County Continuum of Service Providers," Chennowith said, adding the township is the fiscal agent for a grant of "a little over $80,000" and expects drafts of the plan in May and June with a late-June or early-July launch.

Why it matters: Township leaders said the community’s winter-shelter system will face budget pressure next season because state one-time funding for the winter bed initiative is ending. Supervisor Chennowith said the township cannot guarantee it can run a winter shelter next year without new support from the city, county or other local entities.

Key details: Danielle presented the town’s bills report earlier in the meeting and the supervisor delivered a monthly memo noting 25 staff and ongoing benchmark tracking. Chennowith said the township applied for two large DCEO grants that will likely be spent in the next fiscal year and is awaiting an ICA funding request of about $143,000 to expand the "Careers in Motion" workforce program.

Shelter and service numbers: Chennowith reported that in March the township received 1,662 incoming calls for services and that street outreach served 30 people (down from 35 in February). The supervisor said seven residents were permanently housed in March from the public winter emergency shelter and that 15 shelter residents receive housing navigation services. The supervisor also said the shelter’s occupancy permit and the funding that supports it run through May 23; absent new funds, the township plans closure on or after that date.

Proposals and grants: Chennowith said the township applied for a $1.4 million-per-year, three-year "living room" grant to fund a community crisis-support model with peer leaders. If funded, that program would provide an alternative entry point for people in crisis and could reduce pressure on shelter beds.

Limitations and next steps: Chennowith cautioned that some funding streams are time-limited; "I can't promise that we can run winter shelter next year," she said. The supervisor urged collaboration among local governments and noted the township is working to improve coordinated entry so transitional shelters receive referrals and people can move from low-barrier shelter to more stable housing.

The board did not take policy action on shelter funding at the meeting; the supervisor said further grant decisions and the strategic-plan rollout are expected in coming weeks.