Editorial: Money must be starting point in Elgin homeless discussion

Think of social problems that linger for decades without solutions and you'd be hard-pressed to exclude homelessness from that list.

Homelessness is complicated and expensive. There are a multitude of factors, ranging from drug abuse to mental illness to unemployment, that are root causes for individuals who live on the streets. It can be seen in those who quietly pass the time in other public facilities, and others who live in tent cities or sleep on sidewalks and park benches.

It is a gut-wrenching problem, one that many communities must humanely and effectively confront.

Because there is no quick fix, it's easy to put on the back burner, especially when COVID-19 commands so much attention.

But in Elgin, where the late-Doug Henke blogged for years about living in a tent and personalized homelessness, city council members say it's time for a serious discussion about a new homeless shelter initiative - and that it must start with talking about money.

"This is probably the umpteenth conversation we have had about homelessness and we end up with the same place," Mayor David Kaptain said. "But the reason is that this city and this city council never committed the money - and that's the discussion that we have to have."

The fact others on the council agreed gives rise to hope that some real progress will be made.

Elgin is no stranger to struggles with homelessness and associated behavior problems, such as drinking alcohol and urinating in public. The council recently approved an ordinance prohibiting placing tents on public property and police stepped up downtown patrols. The city has met with social service providers. Officials say the most recent count in January puts the number of homeless at about 100.

City officials, churches and other groups are discussing ideas to address the problem. All will cost money to implement. Among them is providing permanent supportive housing, modeled after Hesed House in Aurora, with a "housing first" approach. Give clients a place to live - their biggest need - and they may be more receptive to other services. National data says such an approach is effective 97% of the time, experts said.

According to the city's comprehensive annual financial report, Elgin had about $58.2 million in general fund reserves, not including casino proceeds, at the end of 2019, or about six months' worth of operations.

That should put the city in a position to make funding to address homelessness a priority.

City officials are looking for ways to help put the homeless back on their feet, but ultimately, there has to be a funding commitment to make that happen.