The Supportive Housing Providers Association (SHPA) along with the Illinois Office to Prevent and End Homelessness and the Housing Assistance Council are partnering to develop strategies and solutions to end homelessness in rural Illinois.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Listening Session on Rural Homelessness
The listening session will solicit community, stakeholder, and expert feedback on the issue of homelessness in rural Illinois. The listening session will take place on April 13th, 2023 from 10:30AM-3:00PM CT at the Parke Regency Hotel & Conference Center in Bloomington, IL. A virtual option is available for those who are unable to attend the in-person event. Registration is required to attend the event.
SHPA is offering a $25 stipend (gift card) for each person of Lived Expertise of homelessness who participates in-person at the listening session.
About The Project
All communities and residents, regardless of location, should have access to a continuum of housing options including resources to prevent and eliminate rural homelessness.
Homelessness and housing related issues manifest differently in rural environments. Highly effective urban solutions aimed at homelessness too often falter in rural America, where service provision is different and those who are homeless are often less conspicuous, but no less in need of assistance.
The State of Illinois has recognized the importance and unique nature of addressing homelessness in rural communities of their state and committed resources and efforts to help end homelessness in rural Illinois.
The Supportive Housing Providers Association (SHPA), the Illinois Department of Human Services and the Housing Assistance Council are undertaking a data and information collection effort that will help inform strategies, solutions, and policies, that will eliminate homelessness in rural Illinois.
Who Should Register?
Community, Stakeholder, and Expert Input. To help inform the development of strategies and recommendations, the project will solicit community, stakeholder and expert perspectives on the prevalence, characteristics, and dynamics of homelessness in rural Illinois.
Persons of Lived Expertise of Homelessness. The project team recognizes that often times individuals with lived experience can provide the most relevant perspectives. SHPA is offering a $25 stipend (gift card) to these individuals who participate in the listening session in-person.
Registration is required.
For More Information
David Esposito – Executive Director, SHPA
d.esposito@shpa-il.org
Manda Laporte – Stevenson Center Fellow, HAC
manda@ruralhome.org
