Homeless Outreach
Our Outreach Team is committed to engaging individuals experiencing homelessness throughout Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, and Fulton counties. We meet people where they are—whether in local shelters, encampments, or other community locations—providing immediate essentials such as food, water, hygiene supplies, and blankets.
Beyond meeting urgent needs, our team focuses on building trust and meaningful relationships that open the door to long-term solutions. We offer direct connections to housing programs, healthcare, and supportive services tailored to each individual’s circumstances. Working collaboratively with local shelters, community partners, and service agencies, we help ensure coordinated access to the resources necessary to begin the journey toward stability.
PATH Program
The PATH (Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness) Program delivers targeted outreach and supportive services to individuals experiencing homelessness who are living with a serious mental illness. The program is designed to reduce barriers to stability by helping participants secure safe housing, meet essential daily living needs, and connect to behavioral health care and community-based supports that enhance overall well-being.
Phoenix CDS PATH staff serve as a key community partner and resource for emergency services personnel, providing timely follow-up for individuals identified by local law enforcement and fire departments as needing housing or supportive services. In addition, our team conducts proactive street outreach—engaging individuals in shelters, encampments, and other community locations—to build trust, foster connection, and create meaningful pathways toward recovery and permanent housing.
HOWIE
HOWIE (Hygiene On Wheels, Independence Empowered) is a mobile hygiene unit designed to bring essential services directly to individuals experiencing homelessness. Equipped with private showers, restrooms, and on-site laundry facilities, HOWIE delivers critical hygiene access to people who may otherwise lack basic amenities.
By removing barriers to cleanliness and self-care, HOWIE helps improve overall health outcomes, restore dignity, and enhance well-being.
HOWIE was made possible through partnership with the Home for All Continuum of Care and Heart of Illinois United Way.
To access our Outreach services
For information on accessing housing services, contact our Homeless Outreach Team by calling 309-674-7310 during regular business hours – Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm or emailing outreach@phoenixcds.org.
For assistance outside of regular business hours, contact the Heart of Illinois United Way’s 211 information and referral service by dialing 211 or visiting 211hoi.org