OSF HealthCare Recognized for Efforts with the Homeless

OSF HealthCare and the Heart of Illinois Homeless Continuum of Care (HOIHCOC) collaborative and its United Way partner agencies have been recognized by the City of Peoria for establishing a comprehensive interim housing system for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the Peoria area.

Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis issued a proclamation at the Peoria City Council meeting on February 27. The proclaimation makes note of how the federal government eliminated the finding for homeless shelters, which resulted in the Salvation Army closing its center. In acknowledging the partnership, Mayor Ardis indicated it was hoped this would be a long-term solution to the homless situation in the Peoria area.

Generous financial support from OSF HealthCare allowed The Salvation Army to open an interim shelter for homeless men on December 1, 2017. The interim shelter is open 24/7 and provides services including sleeping accommodations, bathroom and bathing facilities, limited storage, phone and internet access, laundry facilities, meals, and, most significantly, comprehensive case management services, which are provided by the Southside Office of Concern.

In addition to The Salvation Army's interim shelter, the Dream Center Peoria is also implementing a HOIHCOC interim shelter model for single women and families. 

Robert Brandfass, Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer for OSF HealthCare and Chair of the Heart of Illinois Homeless Continuum of Care and Heart of Illinois United Way Board Member, thanked the City on behalf of the HOIHCOC.