The Peoria County Board unanimously approved $183,590 for homelessness coordination and food insecurity programs through the city/county health department at its June 11 meeting.
The vote followed an explanation from health officials and United Way representatives about a transition of the homelessness coordination program — called Home for All — from the United Way to the health department.
United Way's Jennifer Zammuto said in supporting the move, "Being the host for Home for All is really an important role. It helps our community do the best job it can to support those who are experiencing homelessness. Housing is healthcare, and healthcare is housing,"
Health Department director Monica Hendrickson said the county will operate as a sub-grantee under the United Way for the grant year beginning July 1, then take over full leadership the following year.
The money funds a HUD Continuum of Care planning grant, which coordinates housing programs across a four-county area. Hendrickson said the money won't go directly to people experiencing homelessness. Instead it funds the planning and coordination work that helps the region compete for larger federal grants down the line.
Also at the meeting
- The board approved a $72,400 purchase of a Randox MultiSTAT toxicology machine for the Peoria County Coroner's Office, allowing drug testing to be conducted in-house rather than sent out.
- The board also approved a $380,174 renovation of the Hamilton Boulevard parking deck. P.J. Hoerr Construction was the only bidder on the project, which focuses on deteriorating stairwells in the structure.
- The board approved an $87,725 contract with consulting firm BerryDunn to oversee implementation of a unified Tyler Cashiering system across county departments, aimed at standardizing payment collection and enabling online payments countywide. Staff said the full rollout would take up to a year across 15 departments.
- The meeting opened with proclamations honoring Hoerr Nursery on its 100th anniversary, recognizing June as Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, and celebrating Peoria Proud's contributions to the area's LGBTQ+ community. River City Pride Fest is scheduled for July 18 on the riverfront.
- In announcements, members noted the Ernestine Jackson Juneteenth Freedom Day Parade on June 13 and a Revolutionary War patriot dedication ceremony at Springdale Cemetery on June 14.
- Board member Reneau closed on an update: Peoria spelling bee champion Isa Zaid finished 57th out of 457 competitors at the national competition in Washington.
