New website to bring attention to homelessness in McHenry County, connect people with resources

The McHenry County Continuum of Care to End Homelessness has launched a new website to bring attention to the issue of homelessness and connect people with the help they need, the county said.

The website, www.mchenrycountyhomeless.org, is “a one-stop resource to learn more about homelessness in McHenry County, direct at-risk people to assistance, and encourage public involvement to help tackle the problem through volunteerism and involvement with local not-for- profits,” according to a news release.

Its launch comes just ahead of World Homeless Day this Sunday and is the “latest step in McHenry County’s ongoing plan to reduce homelessness,” the county said. Pioneer Center for Human Services opened the county’s first full-time, year-round homeless shelter in August 2020.

Continuums of Care are community planning groups formed under U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development regulations in order to organize and deliver housing and services for the homeless, according to the release. McHenry County’s Continuum of Care, founded in 1997, was one of Illinois’ first, and is one of more than 400 nationwide.

“We’re so proud to be able to have a site for those who are in need to access services and learn about providers, and I’m happy that coordinated entry will be there to help guide people facing homelessness,” said Coordinated Entry Leader Gina Zinck, who supervises connecting those experiencing homelessness and those at risk of becoming homeless with resources.