Homelessness in Rockford

Homelessness in America, including here in Rockford, IL, has been a growing phenomenon since the 1980s.  It has proven to be a difficult problem to solve on both a national and local scale.  In fact, while many state officials, social aid organizations, and institutions have taken the lead to address homelessness head on, over 500,000 people are still living without a home to go to at night.  Luckily, there are national programs and resources in place to help curb the issue of homelessness.  However, it is on a community level that we are truly able to combat the problem.  Nothing has the same impact as a passionate community fighting for the betterment its people.  

Research and Data

Research collected over the last decade has shown that access affordable housing is the main cause of homelessness.  In fact, around 65% of people who are homeless find refuge through emergency shelters and transitional housing programs.  However, the other 35% are left without shelter.  They take to living in the streets, under bridges, and in abandoned buildings.  The economic crisis of 2008, and most recently, the fallout related to COVID-19 has only added to this problem.  This matched with a lack of special services for veterans, persons who have substance abuse disorders, untreated mental illness, and/or are fleeing domestic violence, leaves the people in a vulnerable position.  They are often left to make very difficult decisions with extremely limited resources.

Community

It’s important to remember the major role we play as a community here in Rockford.  The participation of local citizens has an enormous impact on finding necessary solutions.  It is the community who is ensuring our homeless population is seen, heard, and on a path to finding stable housing.  At Shelter Care we work alongside the community to provide shelter, awaken hope, and honor dignity in every person.