Champaign, IL (Chambana Today) – Community advocate and Above & Beyond One Winter Night award recipient Scott Burnsmier inspired attendees with his heartfelt story and message of hope during a recent event hosted by C-U at Home, a local nonprofit working to support individuals experiencing homelessness.
Burnsmier, whose early life included growing up in a trailer and surviving an abusive household, shared how his experiences shaped a lifelong desire to give back. “I get to help others—it’s not a ‘have to’ effort,” he told the crowd. “I wake up every day thankful. I’m honored to be able to call someone, give advice. I get up, and I get to do that.”
Raised by a mother who often sacrificed meals so her children could eat, Burnsmier credits his extended family with offering support during difficult times. But the drive to serve others came from within. “Titles come and go, but what I do is legacy,” he said. “I love people for who they’re trying to be, not just who they are now.”
Burnsmier also spoke on the importance of compassion in the face of fear and uncertainty. “If you are afraid, you lose your freedom,” he said. “We all have the same dreams and hopes. If you can spread peace, joy, connection, and passion—do it.”
As Burnsmier noted, many people facing homelessness are focused not on long-term plans, but survival: “We’re often asked where we see ourselves in five years—but someone walking into C-U at Home might only be thinking about the next five minutes.”
Following his remarks, Aleta Keith, Volunteer & Event Coordinator at C-U at Home, encouraged businesses and community groups to get involved. “You can make a huge difference by helping with landscaping, cleaning, and preparing space for our residents,” Keith said. To volunteer, e-mail Aleta at aleta@cuathome.us or call 217-819-4569.
Executive Director Melissa Courtwright also shared updates on C-U at Home’s new residential facility, currently under development at 1207 S. Mattis Avenue in Champaign. “Not everyone arrives ready for change, but our job is to be ready when they are,” Courtwright said. “There’s no linear path—everyone comes to us zigging and zagging and we meet them where they are.”
The new mid-barrier shelter will feature private rooms and bathrooms, housing up to 16 men and 10 women. Unlike traditional shelters, the goal is to offer a more residential, apartment-like environment that fosters dignity and progress. Residents typically stay 12–18 months, with case management, career support, and access to education. Several current residents are already enrolled at Parkland College.
“We call it ‘paving up,’” said Courtwright. “Whether it’s going to school, finding a better job, or seeking treatment—our role is to help them move forward.”
Importantly, the program recognizes that relapse is often part of the recovery journey. “If someone has a setback with addiction, they’re not kicked out. Their bed is here waiting when they come back from treatment,” Courtwright explained.
While the building’s existing plumbing has offset some initial costs, Courtwright said capacity remains limited, and more support is always needed.
As Burnsmier powerfully reminded the crowd, “Make sure your service is bigger than your ego.” To help prepare the space for residents, or with programming in general, e-mail Aleta at aleta@cuathome.us or call 217-819-4569.