I am writing to those elected village officials who can vote to make a difference so that Oak Park can continue to be a leading village in so many ways. You really make decisions to help various human beings within our community to massively improve their life.
We have had reportedly 454 homeless human beings who have made contact with our various police and fire departments, but also connected to our relatively new ECHO engagement these past two years. At present the ECHO staff only is budgeted for three very effective caregiving people.
My purpose in writing this is to ask that within the 2027 budget, you vote to add 4-5 more folks within this ECHO department. They are making a difference, but Oak Park can do much more!
I would add that two of the added personal should work in the evenings and also provide weekend coverage, to help our present fire and police personnel.
I have been involved with PADS, now Housing Forward for over 10 years. Homeless human beings are a reality within our community. Oak Park is a leader already in helping those who are homeless, but we can do more if we choose.
At first I was a site captain where every night up to 60 folks would find a place to spend the night. They would continue to sleep, have breakfast, some may find counseling, but most would repeat their days wandering during the day, and find shelter that night. Then with the help of many, we found out if we could house these people for up to three months, 80% of these people found permanent housing and work. Thank you big time to Linda & her team plus over 155 known folks who have contributed to Housing Forward.
During the past two years, ECHO (with only three personnel) has helped our police and fire departments assist with the current homeless, which is reported to be most effective. Also ECHO has worked hand in hand with Housing Forward and the Township to better plan on how to deal with the various present homeless. It is working, but can even work more effectively, if you would vote to add more personnel to Echo.
I am counting on you!
P.S. As a member of the Downtown Oak Park Board, I am a big proponent of bringing back our program of not giving money to panhandlers, but instead give your $1 to $5 to Housing Forward. You’re making a greater contribution to those, plus helps our local hard-working businesses by not encouraging this activity.
Paul Beckwith
Downtown Oak Park board member