Champaign Welcomes New Shelter to Support Homeless Families and Strengthen Community Ties

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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Recent studies indicate a growing number of homeless families in Champaign County, prompting local officials to take action as the colder months approach. In response, the county’s Regional Planning Commission (RPC) has announced the launch of an innovative shelter initiative.

This new facility is designed to accommodate families by providing a large area divided into semi-private sections, with partitions to separate individual sleeping spaces for each family unit.

In a related development, the Champaign City Council recently rejected a proposed public camping ordinance, following widespread community opposition.

Families seeking shelter can visit the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission next to the C-U At Home offices, located at the intersection of South Neil Street and West Springfield Avenue. The RPC conducts applicant screenings from 7 to 7:30 p.m. To qualify, applicants must be parents or legal guardians of minors under the age of 18. Accepted families, determined on a first-come, first-served basis, will receive the shelter’s location, which remains undisclosed to ensure safety.

“As this is a pilot project, we are gaining valuable insights into what works and identifying areas that may require adjustments in the future,” said Jessie Heckenmueller, Assistant Director of Community Services at the RPC. “We plan to utilize both qualitative and quantitative data from this effort to guide future expansions of family shelter services in Champaign County.”

“A lot of families, like when they first come in, they’re thinking to themselves, ‘I don’t want to be here.’ You know, and a lot I think it’s a lot of fear for the families that we’ve had,” said UCCO founder Domica Light. “They’ve had really good experiences, and I think we’ve showed them really good care and support.”