What is the Emergency Shelter for Families?
The Emergency Shelter for Families (ESF) is a collaborative initiative of United Way of Champaign County, the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission, and the Housing Authority of Champaign County that provides emergency shelter units for families facing homelessness. The shelter provides families with a safe place to stay while connecting them with resources that support long-term housing stability.
Background
Before ESF was established, families experiencing homelessness often faced separation because existing shelter models required men and women to stay in different facilities. Some families would decline shelter because they would have to split up. For so many years, service providers in Champaign County lamented the lack of temporary, emergency shelter for homeless families with children - a place where a homeless family could go tonight.
Starting in 2011, United Way of Champaign County, serving as a member of the Council of Service Providers to the Homeless, committed to bringing the right people to the table to study the issue in-depth. A steering team was established, many models were considered, which led to a pilot program using hotels coupled with case management from the Regional Planning Commission.
While the pilot served families, the steering team continued to investigate and research sustainable permanent models while partnering with the Housing Authority of Champaign County (HAAC) to secure the building and Champaign County Regional Planning Commission to provide permanent case management and shelter oversight. Following a successful pilot program in 2013, the initiative expanded in 2016 to two apartment complexes in Champaign, designating a permanent emergency shelter that allows families to remain together during times of crisis.
10th Anniversary of Emergency Shelter for Families
Community leaders, housing partners, and supporters gathered on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Emergency Shelter for Families. The daytime celebration, held-onsite at the Emergency Shelter for Families, recognized a decade of partnership dedicated to providing safe, emergency shelter for families experienceing homelessness. The event highlighted the collaboration and investment that have made the program possible, and attendees had the chance to tour an open unit.
Shelter Data
- Over the past 10 years, Emergency Shelter for Families has provided 73,693 nights of shelter to 1,039 people, with children accounting for 63% of those served.
- Nearly 40% of ESF households receiving shelter have reported a history of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, or human trafficking.
- Since 2016, over 95% of households that exited from ESF have found safe, stable arrangements.
- According to the Regional Office of Education (ROE), 467 children experienced homelessness during the 2025-2026 school year.
- Nearly 50% of households served, report having income at the time of entry to the shelter.
Need Shelter?
For information about coordinated intake for Emergency Shelter for Familes and other available resources, call 2-1-1.
Support the Work
To help sponsor this initiative or other shelter programs, contact Beverley Baker.