Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – At Tuesday night’s Springfield City Council Meeting, an ordinance to provide American Rescue Plan Act dollars to the Helping Hands Emergency Shelter was tabled for debate.

Helping Hands Executive Director Robert Gillespie told alderman some of what they would like to do is expand supportive housing by 30 units, as well as operating expenses, case management services, and increase internal capacity.

The Shelter is located in Ward 3, which raised questions from Ward 3 Alderman Roy Williams, who said he would like to see further discussion on how to use those funds.

Ward 6 Alderwoman Jennifer Notriano expressed that she was glad to see the ordinance brought up but referred to issues last year among Springfield’s unhoused population and how the City serves them. She believes there needs to be more staff that engages with them directly to find suitable, stable housing.

The ordinance was tabled for debate until next week.