Following anti-camping debate, regional pilot program set for January 2027
Connections is set to work with as many as ten townships and villages across the Northwest suburbs to help people experiencing street homelessness connect with housing and support services. Through this partnership, we’re developing a new full-time case manager role to help fill a gap in the region’s response to homelessness.
Last year, the Village of Arlington Heights debated a proposed ban on public camping last year. According to Arlington Heights Manager Randy Recklaus, the idea to share a case manager grew out of conversations between social workers and police about the need to fill gaps in services for people living on the streets.
The case manager will respond to referrals from participating communities, connect people to the Continuum of Care’s Coordinated Entry System, and coordinate with our team to help eligible individuals access the housing process.
We’re currently finalizing agreements with participating townships and villages and hope to launch the program in January 2027. The work will help ensure more people living in the Northwestern suburbs — where there are fewer resources for the homeless — will have a place to call home.
“We know that connecting people with the right support takes time and coordination. This partnership is an opportunity to build those connections regionally and help more people access the resources and housing they need.”
— Kelsey Caspersen, Senior Director of Compliance and Government Contracts, Connections for the Homeless