Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The Springfield City Council will be giving money over two years to an organization helping unhoused in the city, but not without some controversy.

Aldermen Tuesday approved, on a 7-2 vote, giving $1.1 million in American Rescue Plan money to Helping Hands.

One of the no votes was from Ward Two Alderman Shawn Gregory, who wanted them to get about $350,000 less, and introduced an ordinance amendment to that end.

“We have to do something different,” said Gregory.  “We have to give others opportunity.  This doesn’t stop [Helping Hands] from doing anything.”

Gregory pointed to a change in executive directors at Helping Hands, and to an instance where a landlord had shut power off to a resident.  Helping Hands was unsuccessful in getting the power restored, but the lights came back on after an alderman called the landlord.

Some aldermen had said they received no complaints about Helping Hands, but some said they did.

“We also had people reach out to us, too.  All of us around this horseshoe have different relationships.  To hear about the story of the gentleman with no electricity, we all know when one of us gets involved, a call is going to happen quicker,” said Ald. Lakeisha Purchase, Ward 5.

Gregory’s ordinance amendment failed on a 3-6 vote.  The ordinance as originally presented was approved, 7-2.  The only no votes came from Gregory and Ald. Roy Williams, Jr., Ward 3.  Helping Hands is in Williams’ ward.

Other council members said they believe Helping Hands knows what it’s doing, and will use the money to expand to help more unhoused.

“We know we need these services,” said Ald. Erin Conley, Ward 8.  “This is a chance for them to build and expand their capacity, and, in the end, use their expertise to serve the people who are most vulnerable in our community.”

Fifth Street Renaissance also received $1.1 million.

The issue was the only one the council acted on Tuesday, outside of items on their consent agenda.