DECATUR Asking members of the Human Service Agency Consortium for input on how the city of Decatur should spend federal dollars to help low-income residents was like opening a floodgate.

Yet the city's consultant, Mary Garrison, associate professor of behavioral science at Millikin University, soldiered on with her questions during the group's monthly luncheon Thursday at Central Christian Church and distributed surveys seeking even more input.

Garrison said community perspectives are needed to set priorities for spending an anticipated $1.5 million annually from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development over the next five years.

More supportive housing was mentioned by several people at the table Thursday.

Lucy Brownlee of the Coalition for Veterans Concerns said housing for people being released from prison is a need that there's never been any funding to satisfy.

If we're going to be the highest conviction county in the state of Illinois, I think we need to address this, she said.

Kids can't go home, and they're in foster care because the parent can't find housing, said Amy Still of Webster-Cantrell Hall.

Dan O'Loughlin, owner of D&O Contractors, added there is a particular need for one-bedroom supportive housing units.

HSAC President Teri Moore and Emily Dobson, program manager for Soyland Access to Independent Living, said handicapped-accessible housing is another unmet need.

If you've got a family member who can build a ramp, or a church that's willing to do that, sometimes you get lucky, Dobson said. But I was at a home visit today with a guy who hasn't been outside his house in 10 years.

Originally posted here:
City gathers housing input for federal grant