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A Resolution to Approve an Amended Agreement with Housing Forward for Emergency Shelter Operating Costs at 112 S. Humphrey Ave. Oak Park, IL
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Introduction
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As the Village continues to evolve its response to support unhoused residents, Housing Forward is requesting an amendment to the original agreement to include capital improvements in addition to operational costs of the new emergency shelter located at 112 S. Humphrey Avenue, Oak Park, IL.
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Recommended Action
Adopt the Resolution.
Prior Board Action
The Board has taken the following prior action(s):
• RES 25-398: A Resolution to Approve an Agreement with Housing Forward for Emergency Shelter Operating Costs at 112 S. Humphrey Ave. Oak Park, IL
• ID 24-608: A Presentation and Discussion on Oak Park's Unhoused Population, Including Ongoing Work of the Village and Key Community Partner
• ORD 24-162: Concur with the Plan Commission and Adopt an Ordinance Granting a Special Use Permit to Allow a Community Service Center in the NC-Neighborhood Commercial Zoning District Located at 112 North Humphrey Avenue
• ORD 24-161: Concur with the Plan Commission and Adopt an Ordinance Amending Article 8 ("Uses"), Section 8.4 ("Principal Use Standards") and Table 8.1 ("Use Matrix") of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance to Establish a Community Service Center as a Special Use in the NC-Neighborhood Commercial Zoning District
• RES 24-342: A Resolution Approving a Funding Grant Agreement between Housing Forward and the Village of Oak Park to Fund Emergency Overnight Shelter for Persons Experiencing Homelessness in the Village's Shelter Program Through SMASS III Funds and Authorizing its Execution
• ORD 24-145: Concur with the Plan Commission and Adopt an Ordinance Granting a Special Use Permit to Allow a Community Service Center in the I-Institutional Zoning District Located at 38 North Austin Boulevard
• ORD 24-144: Concur with the Plan Commission and Adopt an Ordinance Amending Article 2 ("Definitions & Rules of Measurement"), Section 2.3 ("Definitions"), Article 8 ("Uses"), Section 8.4 ("Principal Use Standards") and Table 8.1 ("Use Matrix") of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance to Establish a Community Service Center as a Special Use in the I-Institutional Zoning District
Background
The Village of Oak Park has seen a significant increase in residents experiencing homelessness over the last few years. Housing Forward has worked with Village staff to identify an alternative emergency overnight shelter that will double the capacity in Oak Park.
At the December 3, 2024, meeting, the Board approved a zoning change and special use permit to facilitate the operation of the new shelter at 112 S. Humphrey Avenue. At the February 4, 2025, meeting, the Board authorized a contract with Housing Forward for $366,965. The funds were to support relocation from the current site to the new site, shelter staffing needed for the expansion, and ongoing operating costs. It would also include emergency hotel stays for families since their emergency shelter needs are slightly different than those of single individuals.
While the original agreement anticipated that the shelter would open in April 2025, the timeline has since shifted due to construction delays and rising costs. As a result, Housing Forward is seeking to reduce the total contract amount and reallocate funding originally intended for operating costs to cover capital costs.
Timing Considerations
The original timeline projected that the new emergency overnight shelter would be under construction in winter 2025, with staff and clients transitioning to the new location by April 2025. Due to multiple factors, including increased construction costs and project delays, this timeline has shifted. The shelter is currently under construction, and if this amendment is approved, the organization anticipates opening the new facility in September 2025. Without approval, construction activities will be paused until additional capital funding can be secured.
Budget Impact
The FY 2025 approved budget included $630,000 in crisis response funds (1001.41300.101.530696.0000). The original agreement allocated $366,965 to support one year of operational costs for managing the new emergency shelter site. However, due to construction delays and construction cost increases, the shelter is now anticipated to operate for only four (4) months during this fiscal year. This amendment adjusts the scope of the agreement to reflect the revised timeline and reduces the total allocation to $314,380.
Staffing Impact
Approval of the agreement would not create an increased staffing need.
DEI Impact
The approach by the Village and its partners aligns with the Village Board’s objective to provide multifaceted support for unhoused residents while supporting strong business districts and neighborhoods. The recommendation aligns with the Village Board’s objective to provide support for unhoused residents by increasing shelter availability within the community. The increase in the number of emergency overnight shelter beds improves access to shelter for diverse populations, including underrepresented and marginalized groups.
Community Input
A commission has not been involved in this work. The Oak Park Homelessness Coalition, consisting of community stakeholders, supports the increase in capacity of the emergency overnight shelter in Oak Park.
Staff Recommendation
Adopt the resolution and approve the amended funding agreement.
Advantages:
• Supports the expansion of emergency shelter that provides a safe space for individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Helps to address immediate needs, fostering stability, and connecting individuals to essential services.
Disadvantages:
• The current funding agreement only covers operations through December 31, 2025.
• Emergency shelter addresses the immediate needs of the unhoused but does not provide a long-term solution to homelessness.
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
The Board could request additional information.
Advantages:
• Allows the Board more time to understand the scope of work, costs, and potential impacts on shelter operations.
Disadvantages:
• Delays the opening of the expanded emergency shelter.
Anticipated Future Actions
If approved, Housing Forward will continue construction and open the new shelter, offering increased capacity to house unhoused residents in the community.
Prepared By: Vanessa Matheny, Community Services Administrator, Neighborhood Services
Reviewed By: Jonathan Burch, Assistant Village Manager/Neighborhood Service Director
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Original Emergency Shelter Agreement
2. Amended Emergency Shelter Agreement with amended budget
3. Resolution