THE CITY COUNCIL JUST GAVE US THE GREEN LIGHT AND THE SOUTH FOURTH SITE IS OFFICIALLY APPROVED!! WE ARE SO EXCITED TO FINALLY HAVE A PERMANENT HOME FOR OUR COMMUNITY AND WE WILL BE WORKING AROUND THE CLOCK TO GET THE DOORS OPEN THIS FALL!! THANK YOU FOR STANDING WITH …
October 11, 2022
Final supporters
Fortitude Community Outreach has been working tirelessly to provide shelter for the homeless of Kankakee County. It is imperative that a suitable, permanent shelter site be secured NOW. While initial plans to build a site were derailed by skyrocketing inflation, a suitable building for sale was located at 1284 S. Fourth, Kankakee.
Fortitude has been successfully sheltering the homeless at donated space in churches throughout the county since 2019. We have grown to now require a site of our own. We serve utilizing a trauma-informed, customer service model, meaning we work to treat guests with respect and care, prioritizing their needs, and helping them reach self-sufficiency. We also prioritize the needs of the community, creating rules for safety and enforcing strict guidelines that restrict loitering on property before and after sheltering times (6:30pm to 7:30am) and ensuring guests do not leave and return once checked in (except for a few supervised smoke breaks). Currently we shelter from Oct. 1 to May 1.
We have raised $325,000 in Capital funds that can be used to purchase the building in cash and are approved for financing that more than covers all needed rehab and updates on the building.
The site can be ready for sheltering this fall ONLY IF the City Council approves a re-zone of the property and a conditional use permit. Please let City Council members know you support this shelter site!
Updates
Reached 250 supporters
August 12, 2022
Reached 100 supporters
August 3, 2022
111 Comments
I volunteer at Fortitude and I have seen firsthand the need for a permanent shelter site. The organization is well ran and having a shelter in the 4th ward will not impact the neighborhood in a negative way. The guests that stay at the shelter follow the rules as well as respect them. “ Do unto others as you would have done unto you”,
The church I attend (Immanuel) hosted the shelter for two years in the 4th ward. Neighbors raised many concerns but later told us that none of their fears were realized. The shelter was zero problem for the neighborhood.
I am a Fourth Ward resident and own a home 3 blocks away from the proposed site. Fortitude has proven time and time again that they are capable of safely serving a population that is in desperate need of service. Our neighbors deserve a place of dignity to be housed overnight and provided resources/opportunities to support growth in their lives.
As a social service provider that serves Kankakee County and provides funding for services in Kankakee, the need for housing and housing services is one of the largest needs we see and have documented in needs assessment.
I wholeheartedly welcome Fortitude Community Outreach to my neighborhood. I’m familiar with the critical services they provide in the most professional way. Having staff, volunteers & guests occupy this property shows compassion and inclusivity for our neighborhood and the type of people we strive to be.
Was there myself
I was
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THE CITY COUNCIL JUST GAVE US THE GREEN LIGHT AND THE SOUTH FOURTH SITE IS OFFICIALLY APPROVED!! WE ARE SO EXCITED TO FINALLY HAVE A PERMANENT HOME FOR OUR COMMUNITY AND WE WILL BE WORKING AROUND THE CLOCK TO GET THE DOORS OPEN THIS FALL!! THANK YOU FOR STANDING WITH …
October 11, 2022
Final supporters
Fortitude Community Outreach has been working tirelessly to provide shelter for the homeless of Kankakee County. It is imperative that a suitable, permanent shelter site be secured NOW. While initial plans to build a site were derailed by skyrocketing inflation, a suitable building for sale was located at 1284 S. Fourth, Kankakee.
Fortitude has been successfully sheltering the homeless at donated space in churches throughout the county since 2019. We have grown to now require a site of our own. We serve utilizing a trauma-informed, customer service model, meaning we work to treat guests with respect and care, prioritizing their needs, and helping them reach self-sufficiency. We also prioritize the needs of the community, creating rules for safety and enforcing strict guidelines that restrict loitering on property before and after sheltering times (6:30pm to 7:30am) and ensuring guests do not leave and return once checked in (except for a few supervised smoke breaks). Currently we shelter from Oct. 1 to May 1.
We have raised $325,000 in Capital funds that can be used to purchase the building in cash and are approved for financing that more than covers all needed rehab and updates on the building.
The site can be ready for sheltering this fall ONLY IF the City Council approves a re-zone of the property and a conditional use permit. Please let City Council members know you support this shelter site!
Updates
Reached 250 supporters
August 12, 2022
Reached 100 supporters
August 3, 2022
111 Comments
My father had lost his job, battle with alcoholism, his home and his wife (through divorce) all within the last 3 years. He needs this compassion like many others before and after him. Thank you!
I volunteer at Fortitude and I have seen firsthand the need for a permanent shelter site. The organization is well ran and having a shelter in the 4th ward will not impact the neighborhood in a negative way. The guests that stay at the shelter follow the rules as well as respect them. “ Do unto others as you would have done unto you”,
The church I attend (Immanuel) hosted the shelter for two years in the 4th ward. Neighbors raised many concerns but later told us that none of their fears were realized. The shelter was zero problem for the neighborhood.
I am a Fourth Ward resident and own a home 3 blocks away from the proposed site. Fortitude has proven time and time again that they are capable of safely serving a population that is in desperate need of service. Our neighbors deserve a place of dignity to be housed overnight and provided resources/opportunities to support growth in their lives.
As a social service provider that serves Kankakee County and provides funding for services in Kankakee, the need for housing and housing services is one of the largest needs we see and have documented in needs assessment.
I wholeheartedly welcome Fortitude Community Outreach to my neighborhood. I’m familiar with the critical services they provide in the most professional way. Having staff, volunteers & guests occupy this property shows compassion and inclusivity for our neighborhood and the type of people we strive to be.
Was there myself
I was
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My father had lost his job, battle with alcoholism, his home and his wife (through divorce) all within the last 3 years. He needs this compassion like many others before and after him. Thank you!