Zoning Change Approved; County, Helping Hands Partnership Continues

The Springfield City Council approved necessary zoning changes that allow Sangamon County and Helping Hands to move forward in a partnership to provide emergency and transitional shelter and a variety of day services. 

The partnership significantly addresses the shelter needs in Sangamon County, as proposed in the Heartland HOUSED strategic plan to end homelessness. Services at the new facility will be housing-focused and designed to move people experiencing homelessness into safe, stable, permanent housing as quickly as possible.

"I appreciate Mayor Langfelder and City Council granting zoning approval, allowing the essential partnership with Helping Hands to continue, Sangamon County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter said, " This project is a major step towards a functional end to homelessness in Sangamon County."

Sangamon County committed federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to pay for the modification and repurposing of the building. Costs are projected at $5 million. A target date for occupancy is late 2023.