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A Resolution to Approve an 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’s response evolves to meet the needs of our unhoused residents, Housing Forward seeks interim support for operations of the new emergency shelter located at 112 S. Humphrey Avenue.
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Recommended Action
Adopt the Resolution.
Prior Board Action
• ID 24-608: A Presentation and Discussion on Oak Park's Unhoused Population, Including Ongoing Work of the Village and Key Community Partners
• 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. For example, the number of street outreach contacts by Housing Forward increased from 74 in 2022 to 137 in 2024.
Housing Forward has worked with Village staff to identify an alternative emergency overnight shelter that will double the capacity. 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.
At that meeting, Housing Forward also discussed the need for operating support to expand the shelter. The agreement under consideration by the Board would provide operating support through December 31, 2025. These funds would 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. The added 20 beds at the emergency shelter would be prioritized for those with an Oak Park relationship, including those who recently lost their housing in Oak Park, have a personal connection to the community within the past 24 months, work in the community, or are found to be unsheltered within Oak Park boundaries.
At the December 3, 2024 Board meeting, staff and Housing Forward also discussed a potential need for capital funding to ready the new shelter. Since then, Housing Forward has secured funding from Cook County to cover these costs. The presentation accompanying this agenda item will cover trends related to homelessness in Oak Park as context for the community need and outcomes from emergency shelter.
Timing Considerations
The new emergency overnight shelter will be under construction in the winter of 2025. Once complete, staff and clients will be transitioned to the new location. This is estimated to occur in April 2025.
Budget Impact
Housing Forward seeks $366,965 to support interim operating costs. The approved 2025 budget included $650,000 in crisis response funds (1001.41300.101.530696.0000), inclusive of $400,000 for emergency shelter operations. If approved, the funds requested by Housing Forward would come from this budget line.
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. Many of the actions proposed and underway would increase support services and housing options for diverse populations including underrepresented and marginalized groups. 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 emergency overnight shelter in Oak Park.
Staff Recommendation
Adopt the resolution and approve the 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 funding 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:
• Allow the Board more time to understand the scope of work, costs, and potential impacts on shelter operations
Disadvantages:
• Limits the work that can be done by Housing Forward to provide emergency shelter
Anticipated Future Actions
If approved, Housing Forward would begin hiring and other actions needed to prepare for the expansion of the emergency shelter. Once construction is complete Housing Forward will relocate to the new shelter offering increased capacity for unhoused residents in the community.
Prepared By: Vanessa Matheny, Community Service Administrator, Neighborhood Services
Reviewed By: Jonathan Burch, Assistant Village Manager/Neighborhood Services Director
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. PY2025 Housing Forward Agreement resolution
2. DRAFT 2025 Funding Agreement Housing Forward Emergency Shelter
3. Oak Park Emergency Shelter presentation