The following information is taken from the:

10-Year Strategic Plan To End Chronic Homelessness 2004 - 2014

Coordination Goal 4

To provide emergency shelter to homeless individuals and families during winter months.

Responsible entities are inclusive of but not limited to:

Contact Ministries, Salvation Army, Helping Hands, the Continuum and the Task Force.

Time line: On-going until 2014

Outcome Objective 4.1

When all other established homeless shelters are at maximum capacity, the City of Springfield will have a S.O.S. system open and accessible to the homeless population of Sangamon County during the months of November through April. Process Objective 4.1 Convene a S.O.S. committee consisting of established homeless service providers, members of the Task Force, and the Continuum who meet on a regular basis.

Process Objective 4.2

The S.O.S. committee, in conjunction with the Task Force and the Continuum, will develop a strategic plan to establish a S.O.S.

Process Objective 4.3

The S.O.S. committee will work in cooperation with the Task Force’s Resource Development Committee and Continuum member organizations to seek funding/support for acquiring the necessary means to implement the S.O.S. strategic plan.

Process Objective 4.4

The S.O.S committee will arrange trainings for volunteers who will assist with the implementation of S.O.S. Process.

Objective 4.5

The S.O.S committee, in conjunction with key partners, will develop a system in which one phone number can be called to determine space availability in established emergency shelters, funds available for alternative shelter, and the availability of the S.O.S for persons at imminent risk of homelessness.