Illinois Response to Homelessness Guidebook

According to annually collected homeless data, more than 10,000 people experience homelessness on any given day across Illinois and nearly 30,000 people are estimated to touch homeless services over the course of a year. Even though a majority of homeless are in large cities, each community is impacted and responding to homelessness and housing instability. Homeless services systems across the country rely on established best practices for responding to people experiencing homelessness (PEH). Law enforcement regularly engages with community members and is responsible for responding to emergencies or social-service related needs 24-hours per day and 7 days a week. Officers and departments can use their personnel and other resources more strategically if investments are made in developing community collaborations and have the most up-to-date information about referrals and other processes. This Guidebook is composed of sections that interrelate and reinforce collaborative practices and planning on the issue of homelessness. Law enforcement agencies can use the Guidebook to assist with creating or enhancing their policies, while providing officers training and resource that will help while on the job. The Illinois State Police Division of Academy and Training offers links for virtual training.

To request training materials on this initiative, please send an email to ISP.HomelessnessProject@illinois.gov. In the request, please include your name, e-mail address, and agency. Materials will be shared as they become available.