Homeless Advocacy Group of Kankakee County

10/29/2026

Fortitude Community Outreach is needing volunteers to help with meal prep for the upcoming cold months. Please read the attached post to learn how you can help.

For the 2026-27 winter shelter season, Fortitude is again providing shelter in hotels. Guests in our shelter program are required to meet with our staff at least twice weekly to work on goals, and they, along with anyone needing a meal, are provided with one. We have found that most folks prefer to....

10/23/2026

Be sure to get your tickets to win this fabulous vacation, and support the unhoused in our community

Do I need to be present to win?
No
What if I don’t want to use the trip?
You can transfer or sell as you like.
How soon do I have to take the trip?
Within 12 months
Can I travel anytime?
Blackout dates apply as bookings already exist, but we will work with you to reserve dates that work for you!
When will I know if I won?
Winners will be pulled on Nov. 5 at 6pm during our Open House. We use software that will randomize all tickets and will be shown live on our Facebook
What will proceeds be used for?
To provide shelter for more folks this winter in our hotel lodging program.
WHAT QUESTIONS DO YOU HAVE? ☺️

Tickets may be purchased online at https://aesbid.com/ELP/FCO26/Tickets, at Fortitude Community Outreach, 970 East Court Street in Kankakee, or from any Fortitude staff or board member.

10/19/2026

Congratulations to Alvy Butler, Jr. on your promotion to Director of Ministries and Operations at the The Salvation Army Kankakee! In a recent interview, Alvy, who has been with the organization for 6 years, shared that the local office has transitioned to a "360 Life Center." What this means is that they are more focused on local community needs, and not just a national model. They are focused on more collaboration with other local agencies who are doing like-minded services. They have hosted four Resource Events that included 20 agencies that help provide "Wrap-Around" service to area residents in need.
Services provided to people who are unhoused, or housing insecure include, but not limited to:
* Pathways to Hope - case management for resources to families with children under 18 years old
* Housing and Outreach - Bilingual services to singles
* Housing Services - Hotel Vouchers for temporary shelter; and Rapid Rehousing Program (programs based on eligibility and grant funding availability).
* Food Services - Lunch served at their location Mon-Fri 12:00 to 1:00 PM; and Food Pantry every Tues and Thurs. 10:00 AM - 11:45 AM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM (once every 30 days per family for the pantry)
* Utility Assistance
* Homeless ID Assistance
* Bus tokens/Bus Passes
Thank you to Alvy and your staff for all your hard work. To schedule an appointment to receive resources or ask questions, call 815-933-8421.
Address: 148 N. Harrison Ave. Kankakee, IL.

10/19/2026

I love the generosity of Nikki at Rubber Rose Books & Print. The compassion she shows to people in need is so admirable. The responses to her requests are heartwarming!

Hey Y'all,

This isn't my normal kind of post, but it's an important one.

Last month I caught a woman attempting to steal from the bookstore. Two embroidered Carhartt beanies. I approached the woman, and after a couple minutes, she admitted to it. She felt embarrassed and ashamed.

I spoke with her calmly and did not raise my voice to alert other customers of what was going on. I told her that I did need them back, but I wasnt pressing charges.

I then asked her to tell me her story. I sat with her for over 30 minutes while she explained her situation and showed me picture evidence to corroborate.

Her and her partner are unhoused. They were living in a tent and the tent caught fire. All of their belongings were turned to ash. They didnt have much, but what they did have was not salvageable.

I asked if she had heard of Fortitude and she said yes. She showed me the text conversation between herself and the Fortitude employee. It stated that there are no shelters here and the closest one is in Joliet. The only assistance they can currently provide them would be day services such as showers, laundry, and lunch, which they have already been utilizing.

She and her partner are going through addiction recovery and have not been able to find jobs. I told her that I was not upset with her and that I appreciated her honestly. Then, I told her I wanted to help in any way I can.

I showed her where I keep any extra hygiene products in the bathroom. I loaded up a reusable bag and tote with as many products as I could fit. My wonderful girlfriend came by an hour later with more hygiene products, a backpack, and clothing items.

Today I was in Bloomington/Normal and found these rolling suitcases at Habitat For Humanity ReStore. I will be messaging the woman tomorrow to let her know that she can finally have a place for her and her partners belongings.

Now, I'm asking for your help. In the comments, I am posting the items they need. If you have anything to donate, please comment under that specific item so I can keep track of whats been covered. As much as I appreciate the generosity, they can only carry so much with them. Items can be brought into the bookstore any time.

07/13/2026

The passage of the new housing bill will take some time to see personal benefit, but this is probably one of the best political accomplishments in a very long time. Take a minute to read this summary

A comprehensive, bipartisan housing bill recently went into effect. Here's how it may impact homeowners and homebuyers.

06/09/2026

https://www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/hud-point-in-time-count-homelessness-doubling-up/822007/?fbclid=IwdGRjcASUOCtjbGNrBJQ4GGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHtPBSP0PNM9dOnbvFyIFP1_cwI8Xc7LEusT_5LoFTNMT8kXQ4UW7gx-ILMZF_aem_7frmWqHso1kmv8m0-WnH4w

Millions of people are estimated to be in “doubled-up” housing situations. Monitoring the trend could help cities prevent more of them from ending up on the street, one researcher says.

04/30/2026

Here is our Mobile Food Pantry schedule for May! Anyone needing food assistance is welcome to join us at these drive-through food distribution events. Please share this info!

04/30/2026

Community engagement is an important part of advancing fair housing. PSLS provides outreach and training to help individuals, housing providers, and community partners better understand fair housing rights and responsibilities. If your organization is interested in a fair housing training or presentation, contact PSLS at 855-347-7757 to learn more.

04/27/2026

Last week, the Kankakee County Housing Authority partnered with Kankakee Workforce Services to host a resume workshop for participants in the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program.

The FSS program is a voluntary program designed to support families in increasing their income, building financial stability, and working toward long-term goals through a personalized five-year plan. As participants increase their earned income, they also build an escrow savings account that can be accessed upon successful completion of the program, creating a meaningful financial foundation for the future.

Opportunities like this matter. When individuals and families have access to both stable housing and employment support, it creates a pathway toward long-term self-sufficiency. By the end of the workshop, participants walked away with polished, professional resumes and renewed confidence in their skills and their ability to take the next step in achieving their goals.

If you or someone you know could benefit from support in building job skills, preparing for employment, or re-entering the workforce, Kankakee Workforce Services offers free, weekly career readiness workshops every Wednesday from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, covering such topics as resume development, interview preparation, computer basics, and guided job search support.

They are located in the Kankakee Community College North Extension Center at 450 N. Bradley Blvd., Bradley.

These services are free and open to the community. Please feel free to share this opportunity with those you serve.

04/24/2026

Do you have questions on what resources are available in Kankakee County? Housing? Food? Utilities? Children & Family Resources? Healthcare? You name it, Tammy Marcotte is the person to call! Tammy is based at the Kankakee County Health Department, located conveniently in the lobby so everyone can find her. Marcotte is a "Community Navigator" funded by United Way. She keeps the "Kan-I Help" directory up to date online. She says around 900 agencies on this site get updated annually, but agencies can request updates to their listing anytime there is a change. She says she doesn't try to explain what services an agency will be able to provide, but directs the caller to reach out to them so they can more fully assist with what they have available. Any homeless related callers are directed to the Homeless Help Line. Her biggest challenge is when resources/money have dried up for the year, and she can't provide a useful solution. She said sometimes, all some people need is a good listener to help them process their concerns.
Tammy has lived in Bourbonnais her whole life, She is married with two daughters and two grandkids. She loves to travel and camp. Thank you Tammy for your generous spirit to provide assistance to all in need.

Here are resources for you to reach out to:
* Community Navigator/Tammy Marcotte - 815-208-1305, email [email protected]. She is available M-F, 8 am to 5 pm
* 211 - a live operator is available 24/7 to provide a list of resources
* https://www.kanihelp.org/ KAN-I HELP for online resources
* Homeless Help Line 833-815-4673
* If you are in imminent danger, call 911