The 21st Show

The fight to end homelessness in Rockford

 
The city of Rockford in northwestern Illinois had made great strides in its campaign against homelessness, but the pandemic slowed that progress.

The city of Rockford in northwestern Illinois had made great strides in its campaign against homelessness, but the pandemic slowed that progress. Susan Stephens/WNIJ

For years, Rockford struggled with high rates of homelessness, but in 2014, things began to change. By 2020, Rockford was on the verge of ending homelessness entirely, but then, the pandemic hit, amplifying existing housing needs and economic pressures and causing the city to have to adapt and continue its fight.

The 21st was joined by the city's mayor and housing advocates to talk about what Rockford has done and what other cities can do to combat homelessness.

GUESTS: 

Angie Walker 

Housing Advocate and Homeless Program Coordinator, City of Rockford | Community and Data Lead, Built for Zero | Continuum of Care Street Outreach Lead

Tom McNamara 

Mayor of Rockford

Jake Maguire

Co-Lead, Built for Zero Campaign

 

 

Prepared for web by Owen Henderson

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