Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The good news, for Heartland Housed, is that the number of homeless people in Springfield may be down, based on data from last year.

But, Executive Director Josh Sabo told the Springfield City Council last week that number could still be better.

“From January to December (2025), went from having 988 people in our system, down to 849.  That’s a 14 percent decrease,” said Sabo.  “That’s significant.  But, when you’re looking at numbers that large, it still feels like a drop in the bucket.”

Sabo says in many of the months last year, there were more people leaving their unhoused situations, than there were coming in.

He says after years of decline, federal funding to help fight homelessness is back to a level it was almost 15 years ago.

Sabo says he’s only part of the way through a strategic plan crafted several years ago.  But, some council members want more problems addressed.

Like, sidewalks.

“We’ve really got to look at putting a sidewalk on Dirksen (Parkway),” said Ald. Shawn Gregory, Ward 2.  “Those individuals walk down South Grand, and they’re walking in the street. It’s causing not only issues for them, but also those who live in that area.  I happen to be in the area when someone almost got hit.  I think it’s very important we look into how we do that, to keep them safe.”

Other aldermen said if you think it’s unsafe now for homeless to walk in the street, just imagine what it’s like during the winter months, when there could be snow, ice, or slush in the streets.

No decision was made on any sort of sidewalk additions.