7 Support For Our Most Vulnerable

#7

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

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

Support Local Causes Through Further Engagement Of Government Employees And Political Parties

As the seat of government for the State of Illinois, Springfield is home to thousands of governmental employees and hosts significant government functions. The Next 10 provides us an opportunity to share the priorities of the community, and ask for support from political organizations and government officials to do more than just use Springfield as a base for government business—we can ask them to give back to the community that helps the region and the state run. Three such opportunities emerged through The Next 10: • Obtain financial support from the State of Illinois through a common tool known as Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT), utilized in communities that are home to a significant amount of non-tax paying government facilities; the PILOT from the State to local units of government would offset the loss of property taxes we see as a community from being the seat of government and would help support new projects and programs • Establish an annual joint local political party fundraiser in which the parties unite to fundraise for a community project or need • Create a program to provide government employees paid time off to support community organizations, to encourage their involvement as board members and volunteers in local community organizations

DID YOU KNOW?

Nearly 19% of residents of Springfield live in poverty. (census.gov)

The 2020 Point-in-Time Count revealed 271 individuals experiencing homelessness in Springfield. Veterans make up about 11% of homeless

adults, with nearly 40% of the homeless population having a

disability. Many of the chronically homeless—those homeless for more than a year, making up about 15% of the total homeless population— struggle with alcohol, drug use or behavioral health issues.

Some 20% of adults living in Springfield experience a disability.

Southwind Park, Springfield’s most inclusive attraction, sets a new national standard not just for accessibility, but also for environmental excellence. Every area and feature of the 80-acre park exceeds ADA accessibility requirements. Erin’s Pavilion—within the park—is a Platinum LEED certified building. Other eco-friendly features include wetlands, a

wind turbine, solar panels and a geothermal system.

Promising Ideas

» Develop and support programs to reduce social isolation among senior citizens » Increase affordable housing options » Prioritize parks and public facility design to ensure they are ADA accessible and engaging for individuals of all abilities