Our Mission:
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Phoenix CDS’ mission of “Turning Lives Around” reflects our commitment to serving individuals and families with limited resources, particularly those experiencing homelessness and mental health challenges. Many of those we serve face extreme financial hardship, often with little to no income.
Our primary goal is to end homelessness by helping participants secure and maintain safe, stable housing away from the dangers of the streets. Through housing-focused, recovery-oriented services, individualized case management, employment support, and skill-building, we empower individuals to set goals, make healthy choices, and achieve long-term stability and self-sufficiency—truly turning lives around.
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Phoenix Community Development Services strives to provide people with the opportunity to help themselves toward self-sufficiency. We seek to be recognized by our consumers and the community as an organization of integrity and compassion, providing leadership and offering service. We believe that the dedication and the collective abilities of staff and volunteers enable us to deliver service in an effective manner and to be responsive to the needs of our diverse community.
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Service
Social Justice
Dignity
Empowerment
Diversity
Integrity
Turning lives around…
Our Mission in Action
At Phoenix CDS we’ve had the pleasure of housing hundreds of homeless individuals in the greater Peoria, Illinois area. James is just one of the many stories that embody our mission of “Turning lives around”.
Our Upper Management Team
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![Chris Kahl, CEO]()
Chris Kahl
PRESIDENT/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
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![MollyPilgreen]()
Molly Pilgreen, MSW, LCSW
VICE PRESIDENT/CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
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![A young woman with shoulder-length black hair smiling in a lush green environment.]()
Pam Stevens
DIRECTOR OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
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![Close-up of a man with glasses and a nose ring, wearing a dark green sweater, looking to the side with a thoughtful expression, in a bright room with a plant in the background.]()
Christina Funk
DIRECTOR OF ADMINSITRATION SERVICES
Board of Trustees
Our History
Founded in 1982 as South Side Office of Concern, Phoenix Community Development Services (Phoenix CDS) began as a neighborhood food pantry and referral agency committed to helping individuals and families move toward stability and self-sufficiency. Incorporated as a nonprofit in 1985, the organization quickly expanded to provide case management, representative payee services, and community-based housing for individuals with disabilities.
Over the past four decades, Phoenix CDS has grown into a leading provider of permanent supportive housing, homeless outreach, employment services, and community development initiatives in the Peoria area. Through strong partnerships, the agency has developed and operated over 150 units of supportive housing while pioneering innovative programs such as scattered-site housing, youth supportive housing, and The Bridge Medical Respite Care Program.
Rebranded in 2019, Phoenix CDS continues to evolve to meet emerging community needs—responding to crises, strengthening infrastructure, and advancing evidence-based practices. Today, Phoenix CDS remains committed to empowering individuals experiencing homelessness and housing instability through safe housing, supportive services, and pathways to employment and long-term stability.