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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Intricate Minds has opened a second location in Downtown Springfield at First Presbyterian Church, expanding the harm reduction organization’s hours to 45 a week.
Since 2023, Intricate Minds has provided harm reduction materials to anyone who needs them. The organization’s goal is to save lives through education and supplies.
“We operate under the principles of harm reduction. We see lots of folks who use drugs. We see folks who are unhoused. We see low-income people, we see no-income people, and we try to be as close to a no-barrier service as possible,” said Tiara Standage, executive director of Intricate Minds.
Intricate Minds provides a variety of supplies. Standage often hands out hygiene kits, period supplies, wound care items, coats, socks and other items. She also supplies fentanyl test strips, clean needles, sharps containers and other items.
The new location is connected to First Presbyterian Church, where Pastor Susan Phillips sees the value of Intricate Minds’ services.
“So we need to be honest about what people need just to be safe, just to stay alive so that they can then access whatever other support services that they may need to have the fullest, healthiest life they can have,” Phillips said.
Standage said participants are already relying on the new location for a safe space. Many have said there is nowhere downtown to get water or use the restroom in private.
“It’s very beneficial,” said Gypsy, an Intricate Minds participant. “One thing this town really seriously needs is a 24-hour heating and cooling community center.”
Gypsy also said the hygiene kits and wound care kits are critical items she often shares with others.
The new location is across the street from the library and near another church that offers food, making it easier for people to get help.
Intricate Minds started on the east side of town before moving to a location north of town.