The challenges of combating homelessness in Illinois
A homeless man sits in a doorway as snow falls in this file photo from January 2025. AP Photo/Gerald Herbert
15,000 Illinoisans are facing homelessness on any given day, according to a report released by the Illinois Department of Human Services.
Homelessness is not a new problem by any means. But its scale has grown in recent years even as states like Illinois embrace active efforts to bring down homelessness, or at the very least, help those who are homeless stay healthy and safe … especially in extreme conditions like the weather most of Illinois has been experiencing these past few days.
That increase in homelessness has strained some of the organizations who are trying to help. And on top of that, there’s worries that federal policy changes under the Trump administration meant to promote “self-sufficiency” could raise the barriers for people who seek out help. A panel of advocates who work with the homeless population join the discussion.
GUESTS
Christine Haley
State Homelessness Chief for the Illinois Department of Human Services
Molly Brown
Director, Homelessness Advocacy, Research, and Collaboration Lab
Associate Professor, Psychology, DePaul University
Rev. Dwight Ford
Executive Director, Project NOW, Quad Cities
Teneshkia Wright
Executive Director, Carbondale Warming Center
