March 17, 2026– The Macon County Continuum of Care (CoC) has launched a 100-Day Challenge aimed at preventing homelessness in the community. The initiative is part of a statewide effort supported by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), in partnership with the Supportive Housing Providers Association (SHPA) and RE!NSTITUTE.
The challenge seeks to prevent 60 households from entering literal homelessness within 100 days, with an estimated 56% of those households being families with children.
Local leaders and service providers convened March 5–6 to launch the initiative and coordinate strategies to address housing instability. Participating agencies will work collaboratively to identify households at risk, intervene early, and connect families and individuals with support before homelessness occurs.
Preventing homelessness is recognized as more effective, less traumatic for families, and more cost-efficient for communities than responding after a crisis. The Macon County CoC hopes the challenge will reduce the demand for emergency shelters, strengthen landlord relationships, and help more households remain stably housed.
Landlords and community partners are encouraged to communicate early when tenants are struggling, allow brief stabilization periods while assistance is arranged, and collaborate with housing specialists to prevent eviction.
For more information, contact Dove, Inc.
