There have been a lot of changes in temporary housing for homeless community members over the past couple of years. It’s about to change once more, hopefully in a way that will be beneficial to all in need of these sort of services.
At the end of last year, the City of Champaign Township purchased the current home of C-U at Home, 70 E Washington in Champaign, to house their new low barrier shelter. Strides shelter “does not require sobriety, abstinence, or a criminal background check to participate in services.” C-U at Home is a mid-barrier shelter, which provides “intensive case management along with assistance and referrals for dealing with mental health and substance abuse issues that many clients are working through.” They also do various life skills classes.
This week, the Urbana City Council approved funding for C-U at Home to purchase a home on Springfield Avenue in Urbana. Not surprisingly, people expressed concerns about the relocation to their neighborhood. There are always concerned neighbors.
The new location will house eight men, and will be staffed 24/7. The goal is to be fully moved by the end of the month. C-U at Home also operates Austin’s Place, a women’s shelter in west Champaign, as well as four smaller residences for men that are ready for more independence.
There will be a neighborhood meeting at Phillips Recreation Center on August 17th from 6 to 8 p.m.