URBANA, Ill. (Chambana Today) — The Regional Planning Commission (RPC) will host a press conference to provide details on the Winter Overflow Emergency Shelter for Families with Minor Children on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, from 2-3 p.m. in the John Dimit Conference Room at the Brookens Administrative Center, 1776 E. Washington Street, Urbana.

RPC’s Assistant Director of Community Services, Jessie Heckenmueller, will present information about the shelter, and Community Services Director Lisa Benson, Program Manager Bryce Decker, and U.C.C.O. Foundation founder Domica Light will be available to answer questions.

In response to the rising number of families experiencing homelessness in Champaign County, RPC launched the seasonal pilot program to provide immediate relief during the coldest months. The shelter operates nightly from November 3, 2025, through April 3, 2026, offering a warm, indoor sleeping space for families with at least one child under the age of 18. Families seeking shelter must arrive nightly at 307 S. Neil Street in Champaign between 7 and 7:30 p.m. to determine eligibility.

“The Winter Overflow Emergency Shelter for Families with Minor Children is designed to offer warmth and security to families in immediate need, ensuring they are not left to face freezing temperatures,” said RPC Community Services Director Lisa Benson. “This initiative not only addresses urgent seasonal needs but also helps us gather critical data to inform long-term family shelter expansion efforts. We are deeply grateful to our funders and community partners for making this possible.”

Space is limited, and screening is first-come, first-served. Adults must be related to or legal guardians of the children and provide supervision at all times. Families are asked to bring only what they need for the night, and approved households will receive assigned beds with limited privacy. The shelter location will be provided to approved families after screening.

Funding for the initiative comes from the Housing and Homeless Innovations II grant (City of Urbana) and the Emergency Housing Supportive Services grant (Housing Authority of Champaign County). Key partners include U.C.C.O. Foundation, New Covenant Fellowship Church, the Champaign Park District, Starcrest Cleaners, and the Farnsworth Group.

For more information on RPC’s Homeless Services, visit ccrpc.org/divisions/community_services/homeless_services.php.