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Fifth Street Renaissance

Springfield, IL, USA

Fifth Street Renaissance is a relatively small agency whose mission focuses on homelessness and health services.  The two divisions of the agency provide many services to largely underserved, disenfranchised communities throughout the state but its offices, shelter facilities and primary service base are located in Springfield.  A small but passionate and dedicated staff work as a team to ensure that no client is left unserved and that all clients are served in an environment of empowerment, accountability, cultural appropriateness and respect.

 

TRANSITIONAL HOUSING PROGRAM – In existence since 1986, the housing program provides male and female individuals with single room living quarters and comprehensive services to enable them to become independent, productive members of society. Clients are required to work with the case manager to identify and address barriers to independent living. Issues addressed include, but are not limited to, substance abuse, violence, life skills, budgeting and financial responsibility, mental and physical health, employment, education, and developing a healthy support network. Residents may participate in transitional housing for up to 18 months before moving to permanent housing.

 

HOUSING ADVOCACY SERVICE (NORMAN PROGRAM) – This program is contracted through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. A housing specialist works with families who are at risk of losing custody of their children due to homelessness or near homelessness, to find safe, affordable housing and keep the family unit intact. Supportive services are provided to help the family address the issues that brought them to this crisis and to help to stabilize them before, during and after housing placement.

 

YOUTH SERVICE PROGRAM (YIC) – This program is also contracted through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. The program assists youth (17-21 years old) who are former wards of the state to prevent them from becoming homeless or assist with issues of homelessness which are a result of being released from the states foster care system.

 

REINTEGRATION PROJECT – The Reintegration Project assists individuals who have been released from the Illinois Department of Corrections, Federal Bureau of Prisons facilities or County/City Jails and are HIV+.  The program works to identify and secure housing as well as health and social services for the individual and their drug or sex sharing partners to prevent the spread of HIV, enable them to lead more productive lives, reduce recidivism to incarceration and develop a “continuity of care” service and referral system for the clients.

 

ISHOP – The Program is provided in the lower 55 counties of Illinois and offers crucial support to ensure housing stability and overall well-being for persons living with HIV. This comprehensive program provides a wide range of assistance, including housing referrals, help with rent, security deposits, mortgage payments, and utility assistance, tailored to meet the unique needs of each participant. ISHOP is designed to offer both short-term and long-term support, recognizing that stability and security are key to managing health and quality of life.

 

RAPID REHOUSING- The primary goal of the RRH program is to reduce the duration of homelessness and help participants achieve long-term housing stability through the provision of financial assistance and case management. The program is designed to be a short- to medium-term intervention, with a focus on empowering participants to maintain housing independently after the assistance ends.

 

HOTEL/MOTEL PROGRAM- The Program provides emergency, short term financial assistance, food support and case management to individuals and families who are staying in hotels/motels as a means of housing and face street homelessness because of inability to continue paying.  Targeting those with no other safe housing options, including vulnerable populations such as families with young children, the elderly, and those fleeing domestic violence, the program offers a temporary housing solution while participants work with case managers to secure stable, long-term housing.

 

CORS PROGRAM- The Community Outreach Recovery Support Program is designed to assist individuals experiencing Opioid use or addiction and focuses on providing comprehensive support to prevent overdose and promote recovery and long-term stability.  The program offers Personalized Case Management, Behavioral Health Support, Peer Support and Mentorship, Community-Based Resources and Services; all with a focus on sustainable recovery

 

HIV/AIDS TESTING, OUTREACH AND EDUCATION –On-site HIV/AIDS education, counseling and testing is offered from 9am-3pm, Monday through Friday or by appointment at the administrative offices and weekly at the Sangamon County Jail, Moultrie County Jail and Shelby County Jail. These services are also offered at various other outreach events and satellite locations, and upon request.

 

LIFESKILLS PROGRAM – This program is a holistic approach to changing unhealthy lifestyles, addressing issues that have caused chronic homelessness and preventing recidivism to crisis intervention. The program uses group, one-on-one, referral and follow-up contact to address all barriers to healthy, independent living. These barriers include domestic violence, mental and physical health, substance abuse, parenting, sexual health (HIV/AIDS/STD education and prevention, HIV testing and counseling services available on site), employment issues, literacy and educational advancement, budgeting and maintaining a household.  The program is incorporated into every program offered by Fifth Street Renaissance.

 

FOOD, CLOTHING, AND HOUSEHOLD PANTRY – This program provides food, clothing and household items to clients who are in need. The pantry may be accessed every 30 days per client or household.  Nutritional supplements such as Boost and Ensure are also available to HIV+ or other clients where there is a medical need.  Micro-pantry at FSR- Located at administrative offices on Fifth Street, this micro-pantry provides 24-hour access to food, masks and other supplies.

 

PROJECT BASED PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING PROGRAM – This program offers permanent housing units to individuals and families living with a disabling condition (primarily HIV).  Tenants are approved through the SHA and rent is calculated based on income as the units have Section 8 vouchers attached to them. Individuals living in permanent housing are afforded a multitude of services including case management, advocacy and other supportive services.

 

COMMUNITY BASED PERMANENT HOUSING PROGRAM (PSH)– The same services as our site based permanent housing except apartments are located throughout the community and serve those who are homeless or chronically homeless and HIV+ individuals or disabled individuals and families.

 

WELLNESS ON WHEELS (WOW) – This statewide program delivers comprehensive health services and education, focusing on HIV, Hepatitis C, Gonorrhea, and Chlamydia counseling and testing, alongside overdose prevention with Nasal Narcan, and the distribution and training for Fentanyl and Xylazine test strips. WOW also offers blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol screenings, Risk Reduction Counseling with safer sex supplies, and Harm Reduction Counseling with safer use supplies. Additionally, the program provides Covid home test kits, face masks, hand sanitizer, hygiene kits, and referrals to improve quality of life and curb the spread of HIV and other communicable diseases. Operating seven days a week, including weekends, evenings, and late-night hours, WOW reaches underserved areas and communities where high-risk behaviors, such as drug use and sexual activity, are prevalent. Often mobilized by the Illinois Department of Public Health's Center for Minority Health Services, this program also plays a crucial role during public health crises like Covid-19 and other health outbreaks.

 

HEPATITIS B OUTREACH- This vital program extends its reach across Illinois, with a special focus on foreign-born African and Asian immigrant communities, primarily in areas south of I-80. The program is dedicated to raising awareness and providing essential education on Hepatitis B, a condition that disproportionately affects these populations. Through targeted outreach efforts, the program not only educates individuals about the risks and prevention of Hepatitis B but also facilitates access to critical services such as testing, vaccination, and treatment.

 

OPIOID OVERDOSE PREVENTION PROGRAM- Fifth Street Renaissance is a DHS certified Opioid Overdose Prevention Program helping to address the opioid overdose death crisis that is plaguing our nation.  Narcan distribution and training, education and referrals to a multitude of services to address addiction are provided through Summit of Hope and other events, mobile outreach and capacity building activities throughout Illinois.

 

CONTINUUM OF CARE ACTIVITIES- Fifth Street Renaissance is an active Board Member of the Heartland Continuum of Care and serves as the Treasurer, Homeless Prevention Chair and fiduciary agent.  As a part of CoC activities, Fifth Street Renaissance administers the groups Homeless Prevention Program which provides rent/security deposit assistance and utility assistance for those experiencing a crisis that has resulted in homelessness or near homelessness.  FSR also operates the Project Relief utility assistance program for the City of Springfield through CWLP.

 

SPRING ST. VETERANS RENAISSANCE – This specialized 15 bed program offers a lifeline to Veterans who are experiencing homelessness and/or living with disabilities, providing them with the stability and support they need to rebuild their lives. During their stay, up to 24 months, they receive comprehensive supportive services designed to address all barriers to independent living. From housing stability and employment assistance to healthcare access and personal development, the program helps Veterans regain their independence and improve their quality of life, ensuring they have the tools and resources necessary for a successful transition back into the community.

 

COOK STREET RENAISSSANCE – 19-unit apartment complex providing affordable housing to low and extremely low-income, often disabled individuals.  The program also offers other support services to foster stability including case management, life skills groups, HIV awareness education, free safe sex kits, food and household pantry, transportation and access to other community services through the referral process.

 

VETERANS FAMILY RENAISSANCE - Eight 2-bedroom units and one 1-bedroom unit to house and provide services to single female Veterans and 1 or 2 parent Veteran families who are experiencing homelessness.  Opened in late 2019, this is the first program of its kind in the state of Illinois (to our knowledge) to exclusively serve the housing needs of homeless Veteran females and families.