Housing Authority of Champaign County

THE HOUSING HUB

Monthly Newsletter

Request for Letter of Interest - Emergency Housing Support Services

Emergency Housing Support Services

The Housing Authority of Champaign County (HACC) is requesting letters of interest from local homeless services agencies that provide homeless services for the literal homeless individuals and families in Champaign County. HACC has been diligent in the research and development of community need-based housing programs and has utilized its Moving to Work (MTW) flexibility to address the need. However, the need still outweighs the resources we currently provide, and the community has available. The Emergency Housing Support Services program will offer financial support for emergency housing to secure temporary housing for the literal homeless individuals and families and assist them from living on the street.

General Information- Through partnership with the local homeless services agency, HACC will increase homeless services by providing financial support for emergency housing. The selected agency will offer case management and will ensure an array of resources are available to individuals and families to obtain and maintain housing while working towards stability and self-sufficiency. $1,000,0000 in funding is available to eligible organizations. Funds awarded must be spent by the end of 2025.

Program Management – The selected organizations will develop policies and procedures regarding the selection of families and the coordination of homeless services and case management that they will provide. HACC will develop policies and procedures that shall include program admission criteria, population served, continued program enrollment plans, and a clear definition of program goals and expected outcomes.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Response Format - Interested organizations must submit the following documentation in a single pdf document not to exceed 10 pages.

1. A cover letter of interest.

2. A brief description of your organization with emphasis on your experience and current work with the population you serve.

3. A detailed description of the need for emergency/temporary housing for the population you serve.

4. A proposal specifying your referral process and available support services and case management.

5. A detailed budget outlining the requested funds.

6. Any additional information related to this request.

Submission – All submissions must be received via e-mail no later than the date and time stated. Late submissions will not be considered.

EMAIL TO: stephanieb@hacc.net

Due Date: August 20, 2025 4:00 PM CST

NAHRO Summer Symposium 2025

July 16th - HACC's Deputy Director Jennifer Clemons-Ferguson and Executive Assistant, Jahlinea Cekander visited New York City this month to participate in the NAHRO Summer Symposium 2025. Alongside, Chairman Dr. Grant Henry, Commissioner Turnbull, Commissioner Salen and Commissioner Morgan they attended some informative sessions hosted by NAHRO's incredible team.

YouthBuild Insights

Our YouthBuild community has been thriving! We've celebrated milestones like birthdays, learned vital skills like CPR, and brought everyone together for a fantastic Alumni BBQ.

YouthBuild 6-Week Music Course

Champaign, IL - According to Anita Holford at Center for World Music, there are numerous ways in which making music can support young peoples wellbeing and learning.

Simeon Viltz, a musical educator from Chicago, IL mentors young people through workshops, music production and more. During his time here he ran a 6 week course at YouthBuild where they learned musical literacy, history of music and music production. Not only that but YouthBuild students were encouraged to express themselves by writing their own poetry that could then be used to rap, sing or speak.

Anita Holdford examines that when learning music with another person a range of social skills begin to develop that are linked to executive function; i.e. through learning to pay attention to others, picking up non-verbal cues, taking turns in playing and giving feedback.

Students were encouraged to collaborate with their peers which aided in the deepening of their social bonds among one another. Quickly after writing their own verses and poems and sharing with their peers they bonded over their personal music creations. Viltz also taught them basics in music productions that could then be used over their recorded written work.

Not only did he connect with students on the foundation of music but he provide a space where they created their own, whether private or shared this was a significant example of why musical arts are important for young people whether they attend a traditional school environment or otherwise.

The feedback was amazing and we hope to continue providing this course through the next cohorts that walk YouthBuild's halls.

Champaign, IL - Music Instructor Simeon Viltz and YouthBuild Students

Champaign, IL - YouthBuild Students listening to their peer read his written poetry aloud.

Alumni Meet Up!

Our alumni are thriving! We had a fantastic time catching up and celebrating their accomplishments. To show our support, we provided them with additional resources, and as an extra thank you, everyone who brought a July paystub received a $100 award! The YouthBuild family is forever.

CPR Certified

This YouthBuild cohort is officially CPR certified! They completed a hands-on training session, which was a great learning experience.

The training was thorough, covering techniques on both male and female manikins and including a full lesson on how to use an AED.

Candle Making Day!

Last week, our Girls Group got creative and made their very own custom candles! They had a blast picking out their own unique scent combinations. So proud of our young people and their amazing creativity!

Community Outreach

In partnership with Champaign-Urbana Public Health we hosted a virtual WIC informational meeting.

Back to School event at Oakwood Trace

July Landlord Luncheon

This months Landlord Luncheon was virtual! They discussed weather related items, repairs and common fails. This discussion was led by Debra Lee and Jakari Wrather.

Don't Miss Your Chance to Earn $34,000

Families at HACC's SHIFT Program have an opportunity to earn up to $34,000!

The HUD FSS Program empowers families to achieve financial independence. By offering financial incentives, case management, and supportive services, it helps participants increase their income, save for future goals, and break out of the cycle of poverty. Through this program, families can gain the tools and resources needed to build a brighter future for themselves.

For questions, please email Jamesz@hacc.net

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Board of Commissioner's next board meeting is August 28th 2025

Upcoming Events

Money Matters w/ Heartland Bank- 7/29/25
Brightpoint Makes a Splash Resource Fair- 7/30/25
Unit 4 Back to School Event- 8/5/25
Oakwood Trace Back to School Event- 8/8/25
Financial Opportunities for your Business w/ SBDC- 8/15/25
Budget Basics Workshop w/ Busey Bank- 8/21/25
Scott Bennett Family Resource Day- 8/22/25
HACC Job & Resource Fair- 9/12/25
UIUC School of social Work Community Connection Corner- 9/17/25
Champaign Public Library Job & Resource Fair- 9/25/25

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