Several service providers for homeless people in the Rockford area are teaming up to share intake and assessment system next year.
The new system was created so members of the community would be aware of all the different agencies within Rockford that assist the homeless and what their roles are exactly. That’s according to Shelton Kay, who is chairman for the Rock River Homeless Coalition.
Kay says there basically is no all-inclusive system in place right now.
“What the whole idea is, is give you one point of entry so you can get as much information as possible in one place.”
Currently, every agency that helps the homeless evaluates them on an individual basis to determine if it can only offer their own services to the person in question.
Kay says those agencies can refer those looking for help to other places if the agency doesn’t have what a person requires. But sometimes it’s too late and the agency the people are referred to are booked or otherwise not able to help. Kay says the new system would help alleviate that.
The system will go into effect Friday. If you are homeless or know someone who is and would like access to these services, call 815-987-5711, call toll free at 844-710-6919 or stop at the Rock River Homeless Coalition intake center at 555 N. Court St. in Rockford.