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Support For Our Most Vulnerable Our community expressed a commitment through The Next 10 to ensuring that no one is left behind. As such, special attention must be paid to our vulnerable communities, to those who are most at risk from changes to our economy and environment. We must care for our most vulnerable people not only because it’s the morally right thing to do, but because the cost of not doing so is far greater for both our society and economy. Actions to support the most vulnerable residents of our community are a focus of The Next 10.
Supporting our most vulnerable populations makes our communities better places to live for all residents. As a capital city, Springfield can unite leaders who want to strengthen the social contract locally and for all Illinoisans. I applaud The Next 10’s efforts to address these complex issues.” JOHN KELKER President, United Way of Central Illinois
© 2021 THE NEXT 10
Develop A Comprehensive Strategy To Address Homelessness Homelessness is a complex and multifaceted challenge. No single solution can address all the needs of the individuals experiencing homelessness within our community. The Heartland Continuum of Care, City of Springfield and the Community Foundation partnered in 2020 to establish a full-time homeless coordinator position to focus on comprehensively addressing the complex aspects of homelessness in Springfield, and to bring in more funding to address the identified needs. The Next 10 will support community partners in developing a comprehensive strategy, that will include (but not be limited to) investments in: • Creation of supportive housing with wrap-around services, a comprehensive housing-first model that helps individuals to become housed while also providing onsite services such as mental health and substance abuse support, counseling, job training, and more • Ensuring existing homeless shelters are most effectively supporting the needs of the community; shelters should ideally operate 24/7, be equipped with beds and storage lockers, and provide other related services • Targeted approaches to address mental health, including the deployment of more social workers to work in and with the homeless community and to get people to appropriate care; many cities have recently created programs which deploy behavioral health professionals alongside police • Providing employment opportunities and skills training; communities across the country are having success providing day works programs in which homeless individuals are given day jobs doing cleaning and maintenance for a community, while also getting job counseling and support to find permanent employment
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