Emergency Shelter for Families Celebrates 10th Anniversary
CHAMPAIGN, IL (July 21, 2026) – Community leaders, housing partners, and supporters gathered on Tuesday, July 21, to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Emergency Shelter for Families (ESF), a collaborative initiative of United Way of Champaign County (UWCC), the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission, and the Housing Authority of Champaign County.
The daytime celebration, held on-site at the Emergency Shelter for Families, recognized a decade of partnership dedicated to providing safe, emergency shelter for families experiencing homelessness. A joint proclamation from the City of Champaign and the City of Urbana was read by Deputy Mayor William Kyles and Council Member Verdell Jones III honoring the shelter's impact on the community. Representative Brandun Schweizer also presented a Certificate of Recognition on behalf of the Illinois House of Representatives commemorating the effort, dedication, and hard work that led to the shelter's success. The event highlighted the collaboration and investment that have made the program possible, and attendees had the chance to tour an open unit.
Before ESF was established, families experiencing homelessness often faced separation since existing shelter models required men and women to stay in different facilities. Following a successful pilot program in 2013, the initiative expanded in 2016 to include two apartment complexes in Champaign, allowing families to remain together during times of crisis.
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. The shelter provides families with a safe place to stay while connecting them with resources that support long-term housing stability.
Family homelessness can result from many circumstances, including job loss, illness, unexpected financial hardship, or fleeing domestic violence and other unsafe situations. Nearly 40% of ESF households receiving shelter have reported a history of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, or human trafficking.
While many households are in a crisis when first admitted to the shelter, Lisa Benson with the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission shared that “since 2016, over 95% of households that exited from ESF have found safe, stable arrangements.” This milestone reflects the strength of coordinated community partnerships and the effectiveness of providing families with safe, stable shelter and supportive services.
While the anniversary marks a decade of meaningful impact, community leaders also acknowledged the continued need for services to prevent and address homelessness. Homelessness in Champaign County increased by 20% over the past year. According to the Regional Office of Education (ROE), 467 children experienced homelessness during the 2025-2026 school year. The ESF organizers remain committed to building on its success and offering more ways to replicate and expand this model to help more families. With continued collaboration and investment, ESF will continue to create a safe, stable haven with a clear path towards permanent housing.
For more information about coordinated intake for Emergency Shelter for Families and available shelter resources, call 2-1-1.
Read more information on ESF or to help sponsor this initiative, visit: www.unitedwaychampaign.org/emergency-shelter-families
For media inquiries, please contact:
Sarah Buckman
Director of Marketing & Communications
United Way of Champaign County
(217) 352-5151
Maurey Williamson
Communications & Public Affairs Coordinator
Champaign County Regional Planning Commission
(217) 819-4090