The cold months are upon us, a dire reality for the homeless in our community. Here the Public i offers a short list of emergency shelters in the community. It is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all services (e.g., warming centers, food, rental assistance) offered to the homeless in our community. Community resources are subject to change. For the most current information, always call 2–1–1. You can also look at the City of Urbana’s Winter Emergency Services Guide.
Services for Men
C-U at Home Men’s Emergency Shelter
Shelter for men provided year-round, 365 days a year. Intakes are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday–Friday. Light snacks available. Showers and laundry are available in emergency situations.
Location: 70 E Washington, Champaign
Contact: Thomas Welte – 217-819-4569 or 217-649-2200
After-Hours Contact: C-U at Home Outreach Hotline – 217-888-0329
Services for Women
Austin’s Place (a program of C-U at Home) — Overnight Shelter for Women
Austin’s Place provides overnight emergency shelter for women year-round. Intakes are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m, Monday-Friday. Light snacks are provided. Showers and laundry are also available.
Location: 70 E Washington, Champaign
Contact: Chloe Hanson – 217-819-4569
After Hours Contact: C-U at Home Outreach Hotline – 217-888-0329
For Updates: Follow Austin’s Place on Facebook for the latest shelter news and events or visit their website – shelter-austinsplace.weebly.com
Low Barrier Emergency Winter Shelter
The Low Barrier Emergency Winter Shelter opened December 27, 2021. The shelter will continue to complete intakes and allow clients to utilize the shelter until April 15, 2022. The Low Barrier Emergency Winter Shelter allows clients to access services regardless of their sobriety status. Any clients wishing to pre-register for the night can come to the Phoenix Center (70 E. Washington St, Champaign) during the hours of 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. and complete an intake. Any client who chooses not to pre-register can complete an intake any time throughout the hours of 7:30 p.m.–7:30 a.m. at the shelter sites listed below:
Clients identifying as male: New Covenant Church, 124 W. White St., #4802, Champaign
Clients identifying as female: First Presbyterian Church, 302 W. Church St., Champaign.
Services for Families and Children
Emergency Shelter for Families with Children
To inquire about the Emergency Shelter for Families (ESF), please contact the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission using the information below. For one or more parent/s (or legal guardian/s) age 18 or over with child(ren) under the age of 18 and residents of Champaign County. Family household size is a maximum of six people. The adults need to be biologically or legally related to the child(ren). Expecting women with no current children may be housed by the program (must be in last trimester of pregnancy). Guests will be allowed weekly increments of stay, up to 30 days, as long as the guests are actively participating in case management services and working toward finding a more stable housing option.
Contact: Email homeless-services@ccrcp.org. If you do not have access to email, you may call 217-328-3313 and request an email be sent on your behalf.
Families with Urbana Schoolchildren
Cunningham Township runs Bridge to Home, an emergency housing program for homeless families with children enrolled in the Urbana School District or who have children staying overnight at Crisis Nursery, and who have no other place to stay. Families are prioritized based on need and must be screened prior to placement. Families will be allowed weekly increments of stay until they find suitable housing. Guests work with case managers to access childcare, boost income, apply for benefits, and seek and move into stable housing.
Contact: Ask your Urbana School Counselor or Crisis Nursery to make a referral, or contact Cunningham Township at 217-384-4144 or by email at info@cunninghamtownship.org
Crisis Nursery
Crisis Nursery is the only emergency-based childcare facility open 24 hours, 365 days a year serving ages birth through six. It is open for the entire community to access with no fees or income eligibility. Besides safe shelter for children, they also provide home visiting, play groups, support groups, case management, and parenting education to strengthen parent skills and confidence. In addition, Crisis Nursery provides diapers, formula, clothing, etc. to any community member in need. They believe that asking for help is a sign of strength. Families who may be experiencing a crisis are welcome to call to begin the process of scheduling care for their child(ren).
Contact: 217-337-2730
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