Collaborating for Change: How Northern Illinois Food Bank and PADS of Lake County are Addressing Homelessness Together Through the Alliance for Human Services
The middle class is increasingly at risk due to economic pressures; recent trends in homelessness show that it’s no longer just affecting the traditionally vulnerable populations. A 2024 report based on a comprehensive census of service providers and a volunteer-led count of unsheltered individuals on a single night in January revealed that 701 people were experiencing homelessness in Lake County—a 50% increase from the previous year’s 467. Of these, 75 individuals were unsheltered, more than doubling last year’s figure of 30. Families accounted for 373 of the total, representing 53% of those experiencing homelessness. These numbers are the highest ever recorded for the county, highlighting a growing crisis in our region.
“These trends indicate that the definition of who is at risk of homelessness is expanding, with more middle-class families being affected by economic instability and housing insecurity.” Eric Foote, Deputy Executive Director, PADS Lake County
November is recognized as National Homelessness Awareness Month in the United States. This month is dedicated to increasing public awareness of the challenges faced by individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness. It serves as a time to highlight the struggles of unhoused populations, the factors contributing to homelessness, and the need for community support and advocacy.
The Impact of Collaboration
Both the Northern Illinois Food Bank and PADS of Lake County have been observing similar trends in the community, with rising food insecurity and housing instability affecting more families and individuals. These parallel statistics highlight the urgent need for comprehensive support, as both organizations see a growing demand for their services, underscoring the importance of collaboration to address overlapping challenges.
Northern Illinois Food Bank focuses on delivering food and healthy eating services to the Northern Illinois community. As part of the national Feeding America network, they serve neighbors in 13 counties throughout suburban and rural Northern Illinois by providing 250,000 meals per day. In fiscal year 2024, Northern Illinois Food Bank, through their network of more than 900 food pantries, soup kitchens and feeding programs, provided 90 million meals across their service area.
PADS Lake County is a community-based organization that helps individuals and families reach their full potential by providing a comprehensive approach to reducing homelessness. They offer holistic services to help neighbors create sturdy foundations in stable homes so they can build together futures for themselves and contribute to our community.
“Our collaboration with PADS of Lake County allows us to combine our strengths to better serve our community. While PADS is the expert in housing and provides comprehensive support to help individuals and families reach stability, we are proud to contribute our expertise in food resources. Together, we can ensure that those who are experiencing homelessness not only have a roof over their heads but also access to nutritious meals. This partnership is more than just meeting immediate needs—it's about empowering individuals to achieve their full potential and building a stronger, more resilient community.” Barb Connet, Agency Relations Area Manager, Northern Illinois Food Bank.
“Having a strong partner like the Northern Illinois Food Bank allows us to better support the unhoused population in Lake County. Hunger and housing insecurity go hand in hand, and the Food Bank’s resources ensure that our clients don’t have to choose between a roof over their heads and their next meal. Their partnership not only helps us meet immediate needs but also empowers those we serve to take steps toward stability and independence.” Eric Foote, Deputy Executive Director, PADS Lake County
The Power of Networking
The Alliance for Human Services cultivates a network that maximizes the effectiveness of Lake County human service providers. AHS seeks to be a true model for countywide collaboration amongst health and human service agencies. “In the nonprofit sector, collaboration is not just a catchphrase—it is a strategy that leads to communitywide impact. When organizations come together, they create a synergy that amplifies their efforts, allowing them to achieve more than they could alone. The Alliance values the power of partnerships. By working together, we not only strengthen our organizations but also make a significant long-lasting impact in the communities our members serve.” Christine M. López, M.Ed., ACE-CPT, AHS Executive Director
“AHS events, programs, and meetings are powerful catalysts for collaboration and innovation among members. Being in the room together allows for a deeper understanding of the issues facing our community and the chance to build networks that strengthen our ability to serve those in need, laying the groundwork for greater collective success.” Eric Foote, Deputy Executive Director, PADS Lake County
“Every AHS meeting or social event I've attended has been a powerful space for connection and collaboration. I've had the chance to meet people working in different areas across Lake County, learning about their efforts and finding ways to contribute resources or provide input. These gatherings, whether over coffee or in formal forums—offer a unique opportunity to engage with others in the health and human services sector. Through these organic conversations, we often end up co-collaborating on projects that make a broader impact in our community.” Barb Connet, Agency Relations Area Manager, Northern Illinois Food Bank
National Trends and Local Impact
The National Alliance to End Homelessness has released its “State of Homelessness: 2024 Edition” report, revealing concerning trends. The report highlights a significant increase in homelessness across the United States, with a record-high 653,104 people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January 2023—a 12.1% increase from the previous year.
Lake County has seen similar challenges, reporting record high homelessness, with a significant portion of individuals facing it for the first time.
“This past year, 85% of those experiencing homelessness were facing it for the first time, reflecting the growing housing crisis in Lake County. In total, 1,327 individuals experienced homelessness, a significant increase from the 1,149 we saw the previous year.” Eric Foote, Deputy Executive Director, PADS Lake County
The rising cost of living and lack of affordable housing are driving a homelessness crisis that is now affecting middle-class families. Increasing rental and housing prices, which have outpaced wage growth, are leading to housing instability, especially after unexpected financial setbacks like job loss or medical expenses. Inflation has further squeezed middle-class budgets, making it harder to cover basic needs, while the COVID-19 pandemic left many households financially vulnerable, with depleted savings and increased debt. The expiration of pandemic-era rental assistance has contributed to a spike in evictions, and homelessness is spreading beyond urban centers to suburban and rural areas, highlighting the growing reach of this crisis.
The Food Bank is experiencing unprecedented demand, serving an average of 570,000 neighbors monthly, 16% more than the previous year and double the pre-pandemic level. Last year, or in Fiscal Year 2024 (July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024), it distributed 90 million meals, a 10% increase, yet the need remains high, with pantries requesting more food. Economic challenges, including rising costs and a significant gap between the living wage and median earnings, are driving more families to seek help. Food insecurity continues to rise, reaching its highest level since 2014, with 1 in 7 people affected nationally.
As we observe National Homelessness Awareness Month, the collaboration between Northern Illinois Food Bank and PADS of Lake County serves as a powerful reminder that addressing homelessness requires a community-wide effort. Both organizations, as members of the AHS, are leveraging their unique strengths, PADS expertise in housing and the Food Bank’s resources for food security, to tackle shared challenges and support individuals and families in need. These partnerships are not just about providing immediate relief but about creating sustainable solutions for the long term. Through continued collaboration, our member organizations are not only responding to national trends but also paving the way for a more resilient and connected community, working toward the day when every individual has a place to call home.
Links and Resources
● Join the movement to solve hunger in Northern Illinois. To donate, get groceries, or get involved visit SolveHungerToday.org.
● PADS is currently seeking donations of new or gently used jackets to help keep our community warm this winter. Your contributions can make a big difference for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Lake County, providing much-needed warmth during the colder months.
● The Alliance is connecting nonprofits and other Lake County leaders together leading to more coordinated health, human, and education resources and a stronger safety net. Join as a member today.
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About Alliance for Human Services
The mission of Alliance for Human Services is to enhance the delivery of services by providing leadership that convenes Lake County human service sector stakeholders and fosters collaboration. The Alliance cultivates a network that maximizes the effectiveness of Lake County human service providers.
About Northern Illinois Food Bank
For over 40 years, Northern Illinois Food Bank has been dedicated to solving hunger and empowering neighbors. Our vision at Northern Illinois Food Bank is for everyone in Northern Illinois to have the food they need to thrive. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and proud member of Feeding America, we serve our neighbors in 13 counties with dignity, equity and convenience, providing 250,000 meals a day. We bring together manufacturers, local and corporate grocers, area farmers, corporations, foundations, and individuals who donate food and funding, and each week nearly 1,000 volunteers help us evaluate, repack, and distribute food. We also proudly partner with more than 900 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and youth and senior feeding programs to provide nutritious food and resources. Our distribution centers are located in Geneva, Lake Forest, Rockford and Joliet. Find out how you can get help, volunteer, donate or get involved at SolveHungerToday.org, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About PADS
PADS Lake County is a community-based organization that provides trauma-informed support, resources, and shelter to individuals and families experiencing homelessness and a housing crisis. We help individuals and families reach their full potential by providing a comprehensive approach to reducing homelessness. Our holistic services seek to help our neighbors create sturdy foundations in stable homes so that they can build brighter futures for themselves and contribute to our community.
