Illinois officials visit Carbondale to address homelessness across Southern Illinois

CARBONDALE, Ill. (KBSI) — Illinois officials gathered in Carbondale Wednesday, Feb. 25, to outline the state’s long-term strategy to address homelessness, emphasizing housing expansion, prevention efforts and community input.

The Illinois Department of Human Services and the Office to Prevent and End Homelessness hosted a town hall and listening session as part of a statewide effort to gather feedback and present policy priorities.

State officials say more than 88,000 students across Illinois experience homelessness, underscoring the scale of the issue.

“We believe that all people really need a home and that all people should be able to thrive in their homes,” said Christine Haley, Illinois’ chief homelessness officer. “We’re talking about all people. Within that we have four pillars. The first is around building enough housing so that everyone who needs a home is able to have a home.

Haley said the state’s plan focuses on increasing housing supply while strengthening prevention programs and coordinating services across agencies.

Local providers say homelessness in Southern Illinois often intersects with other challenges, particularly mental health.

“We’re seeing more people who are in extreme situations, especially when you’re talking about mental health,” said Patty Mullen, executive director of Good Samaritan Ministries. “When I started there, 2% of our population had a mental health diagnosis. Now, it’s 20%. So the increase in people we’re seeing is due to the lack of funding that is given to the mental health facilities.”

Mullen said Good Samaritan Ministries provides more than emergency shelter.

“Not only is it a shelter, but we provide case management. We do a whole range of services to help people out who are in need,” she said. “So it’s not just if you’re homeless — it’s if you’re about to become homeless or you need a little extra help. We have a soup kitchen and serve three meals a day. We also have an emergency assistance program where we help people with their rent and utilities.”

Community members also highlighted the complexity of housing instability.

“Every person is different. They will have a range of unique needs,” said Dina Hyde, a community member and board member for the Carbondale Warming Center. “It’s not just one simple answer. You really have to break it down, and you’ll find that there are multiple barriers getting in the way of that person getting into stable housing.”

Hyde said shelters like the Carbondale Warming Center serve as part of a broader support system but cannot address homelessness alone.

Officials say input from residents and service providers will help shape how the state allocates resources, particularly in rural communities where housing inventory and service access remain limited.

Haley said the state’s strategy aims to move beyond emergency response and toward long-term housing stability across Illinois.