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Previously rejected tax increase for Strides Shelter gets 2nd chance with voters Tuesday
By JANA WIERSEMA
jwiersema@news-gazette.com
CHAMPAIGN - Five months after voters rejected a property-tax increase by a margin of 57-43 percent, local officials are hoping for a different outcome in Tuesday's election.
Among other things, the referendum — nearly identical to the one that failed in November — would provide funding for Strides, a low-barrier homeless shelter run by the City of Champaign Township.
The shelter is currently supported by temporary COVID-19 relief funding, with enough left to last to October, said Township Supervisor Kyle Patterson.
"It doesn't look very good if (the referendum) doesn't pass," he said.
The question on the ballot for Tuesday's election proposes to raise the township's property tax rate to 22.03 cents per $100 of equalized assessed value - a 428 percent increase over the current rate of 4.17 cents -"for the purpose of maintaining a24/7, low-barrier shelter and providing for Assessor's Office needs."
Township officials estimate that the tax hike would generate over $4 million in additional revenue annually. It's estimated that the increase would cost the owner of a single-family home valued at $100,000 an additional $60.22 per year.
If approved, the tax increase would fund the shelter's basic operations while also enabling it to hire more staff, add more programming and provide additional help to its guests, Patterson said.
The township also would use the additional tax revenue to create a dedicated fund for rental assistance, increase the amount given for general assistance and hire an additional staff member for the assessor's office.
John Phillips, who is running against Patterson in Tuesday's election, said he is "torn" when it comes to the referendum.
While its passage would make the supervisor's job easier, the question is "a tough sell" to residents, both due to economics and concerns about the state of the shelter, he said.
"The way things have been handled with the Strides center as of now, I wouldn't feel comfortable putting a lot of money into the hands, with the current leadership there," Phillips said, though he does feel the community needs a low-barrier shelter.
Phil Fiscella, a downtown property owner and commercial Realtor who has been critical of Strides, submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the township this past fall for internal and external communications from shelter staff in 2024 regarding deaths, overdose, rape, assault, battery, abuse, alcohol, banned individuals, theft and trespassing.
The results of the FOIA included an email Mayor Deb Feinen wrote to Patterson in September about her concerns.
Feinen had recently driven past the property several times and was "dismayed" by what she saw: people seemingly passed out on the lawn, empty liquor bottles and "general chaos."
"While I have supported the shelter and the proposed tax increase, I am concerned about what I am seeing and the continued complaints I am receiving," she said, adding that this included an allegation of people "having sex in the parking lot."
Patterson told The News-Gazette that, apart from what Feinen shared, the township is "unaware" of this complaint and would not tolerate such behavior.
At the time, Patterson forwarded the mayor's email to shelter leadership, along with instructions to have staff regularly clean up litter and ensure safety personnel "are not allowing any alcohol or drug consumption on property, to the best of their abilities."
A member of the shelter's leadership team replied that employees were "doing their best to keep the area clean," but the shelter had been short staffed for weeks.
"I will ask that safety try to do more checks outside, but some days we only have enough staff to keep the inside of the facility safe," she added.
She also noted that the shelter cannot move people out of the right-of-way, as it is the city's property rather than the shelter's.
Feinen told The News-Gazette on Wednesday that she remains supportive of the referendum.
"Managing a low-barrier shelter isn't easy, and there are changes needed to address residents' concerns and to ensure those in and around the Strides Shelter remain safe," she said.
"However, implementing these changes will require additional staffing and other resources which the Township cannot afford. The concerns that were raised will only get worse if the shelter has to close and the Strides guests have nowhere to turn for shelter."
The FOIA also included many emails between Strides staff members that detailed issues among the shelter's guests, including smuggling in alcohol, violence against each other and staff, theft, sexual harassment and verbal abuse.
On one particularly eventful day, a female staff member responded to multiple incidents, including theft and a massive fight near the shelter.
"She had to deal with a brawl between over ten, possibly twenty, guests in the sandlot," a case manager wrote in an email dated Sept. 8, 2024. "While the sandlot is slightly off property, the individuals involved did include guests, which caused the energy from our guests to have undercurrents of aggression and potential for hot spots of violence."
After the fight was broken up, there was a medical emergency involving a guest and another "physical altercation."
"We wrapped up our day scrubbing blood from the property and she did everything without one word of complaint," the case manager wrote, later adding that the female staffer did not take a break, even for lunch.
Patterson said that the shelter began holding in-person deescalation training last year, which he believes has made a difference and given staff "more tools" to respond to crises.
He also feels that having additional staff would help the shelter respond to problems and hopefully "cut them off before they really start."
Staff emails also mentioned issues occurring outside the shelter, including drug activity, individuals making threats to staff and guests, violence and encampments.
Mubanga Chanda, owner of nearby Zambian restaurant Stango Cuisine, said that once in a while, she sees people come into her business to use the bathrooms, leaving a mess and using up a great deal of toilet paper.
"Some of them would come in and bother the customers a bit," she said.
It's difficult for Chanda to tell whether it's shelter guests who are causing problems or other members of the community — such as in an incident where someone stole the generator from her food truck.
She feels that the shelter's rules for guests should be more strict.
"They definitely need some help, because we cannot just ignore that," Chanda said, when asked for her thoughts on the referendum. "Something has to be done. But like I was saying, there's got to be abetter plan."
Phillips feels the shelter's current location at 70 E. Washington St. is a "disservice" to both downtown and "the unhoused community."
"It's just too small," he added.
If elected supervisor, Phillips said he would work with police, and private security, if necessary, to immediately address the issues going on outside the shelter until a new location can be found. He feels the current situation is "totally and utterly unacceptable" and creates a "drain" on local emergency responders.
The shelter has "helped a lot of people," he acknowledged. "It's helped a lot of people on a daily basis, getting people off the streets, giving people a warm place to sleep, to eat. There's definitely a need for that. So that's the good."
"It's a roof over your head. Some people don't have that," said Angelo Evans, who stayed at the shelter from about February to July 2024.
Evans, who is 65, had found himself without a place to live after moving to the area from New York City and putting his mother in a local nursing home.
He said he did not see a lot of fights and found his time at Strides to be generally "peaceful," though he noted that he stayed inside the shelter most of the time. He has since moved into an apartment, which Strides staff helped him find.
"I'm glad (the shelter) was there for me, and I hope it continues," Evans said, adding it would be nice if there was a way to expand Strides' capacity.
The shelter has 64 permanent beds and 10 emergency cots, Patterson said. During the winter,its capacity stretches to 80 people. As of mid-March, the shelter was still operating at this level.
"Most of the people from the shelter are from here, and they're not going to have anywhere to go" if it closes, he said. "... These are our people. And shelter or not, they will be here."
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 11, 2025 Contact Information: Cadeala Troublefield, project manager Griffin & Strong Ph: (678) 364-2962 ext. 111 cadeala@gspclaw.com Courtney Clark, deputy project manager Griffin & Strong Ph: (404) 348-0690 ext. 113 courtney@gspclaw.com
VIRTUAL INFORMATIONAL MEETING DETAILS DATE(TENTATIVE): Wednesday, November 19, 2025 6 PM CST/7 PM EST Interested Participants Can Register Here: https://gspclaw.zoom.us/meeting/register/ytfUEAagQzqnrQE8eO8mSQ#/registration
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 6, 2025 Contact Information: Kara Kienzler, associate executive director - communications Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) Ph: (217) 528-9688
SPRINGFIELD — November 15 of each year is designated as School Board Members Day. The day of recognition is an occasion to build community awareness about the important role school board members play in a representative democracy by providing a local voice for community education decisions. In 2007, the Illinois House of Representatives declared November 15 as School Board Members Day in the State of Illinois. The resolution states the annual recognition is “a way to honor those citizens who devote so much of their time and energy for the education of our children.” “School board members serve as our local, volunteer education advocates striving for quality learning opportunities for every student. They take on this immense responsibility not for a paycheck, but because they are committed to their communities and the belief that every child deserves a quality education,” said IASB Executive Director Kimberly A. Small, J.D. “Our school board members wear many hats; beyond their educational leadership, they are policy-makers, contract negotiators, and budgeteers. They are also our neighbors, our friends, and our schools’ biggest fans. On November 15 –– School Board Members Day — it is our chance to say, ‘Thank You.’” IASB encourages school districts, communities, businesses, and others to thank local school board members and recognize them for their dedication to providing successful education opportunities for all students. Resources and images to recognize school board members on November 15 are available at www.iasb.com/thankaboardmember.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 6, 2025 Media Contact Illinois Principals Association Alison Maley, government and public relations director PH: 217-299-3122 alison@ilprincipals.org
SPRINGFIELD – In a direct response to the growing school leadership shortage across Illinois, the Illinois Principals Association, through its Ed Leaders Network (ELN), has teamed up with Aurora University to launch an exciting and streamlined Alternative Principal Endorsement Program. This endorsement pathway enables educators who already have five years of experience and hold a master’s degree in education to earn their Principal Endorsement in just one year – without completing an additional graduate degree. Approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and aligned with National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) standards, the program blends an immersive one-year internship with micro‑credentials tailored to school leadership practice. Eligible educators can earn licensure‑approved endorsement within one calendar year. This program is significantly less expensive than a full master’s degree and delivered on a fully remote platform. Participants in the program have appreciated the flexibility and experience the program provides as they enter or continue their school leadership journey. “Having already completed my master's degree, I knew I wanted to add the Principals Endorsement to my license, but I did not want to enroll in another full master's program. I was able to pull from previous leadership experience as I worked through the micro-credentials while still gaining valuable experience during my internship activities. The program is challenging but rewarding as it offers a way to reflect on previous experiences while building new skills as an educational leader."
- Jon Pieper, division head for Career & Technical Education, Physical Education, Drivers Education, and Health Education at Elk Grove High School
“The Alternative Principal Endorsement program was a great fit because everything was online, and I could work at my own pace. The flexibility allowed me to balance professional responsibilities while advancing my leadership skills. I would highly recommend this program to aspiring leaders.”
- Dr. Maribel Guerrero, director of language acquisition, Naperville CUSD 203
Dr. Ed Howerton, director of graduate education programs at Aurora University and former district administrator, shared: "Our program leans heavily into a ‘learning by doing’ framework that is extremely self-driven. It provides flexibility for professionals and ownership in the learning process. Many of our completers have moved into administrative roles sooner than if they had gone through a master’s degree program, and filling leadership voids in our schools is key to promoting student success.” Dr. Jason Leahy, executive director of the Illinois Principals Association, also shared: “When compared to a little over a decade ago, the State of Illinois has experienced an almost 60% reduction in the number of individuals who earn their principal endorsement each year. This alternative pathway provides a rigorous, cost effective, and expedited opportunity for quality educators to demonstrate they possess the skills necessary to be effective school leaders.” Eligible candidates must hold a current Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL), possess a master’s degree in education, have completed five years of teaching or school support experience, are employed in a full‑time, permanent educational position before program start, and complete required evaluation training and principal content exams to qualify for endorsement. Currently, 81 students are enrolled at various stages of the program at Aurora University, including 30 students that began this fall semester. Twenty-four students have completed the program since its inception, with 12 individuals working in leadership positions. Aurora University Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Aurora University is committed to preparing leaders for the future of education. For a full overview of the program’s structure and registration information, visit the Alternative Principal Endorsement at https://aurora.edu/academics/graduate/principal-endorsement/index.html. Illinois Principals Association The Illinois Principals Association is a leadership organization which serves more than 6,900 educational leaders throughout the state of Illinois and whose mission is to develop, support, and advocate for innovative educational leaders. For more information about the IPA, please visit www.ilprincipals.org. Program Contacts Aurora University – Ed Howerton, director of Graduate Education Programs, ehowerton@aurora.edu, 630-844-5626 Ed Leaders Network / Illinois Principals Association – Arlin Peebles, Ed Leaders Network director, arlin.peebles@ilprincipals.org, 217-241-0598
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 5, 2025 Contact Illinois Bar Foundation Jessie Reeves, director of events & administration Ph: 312-920-4681 jreeves@illinoisbarfoundation.org
CHICAGO, November 5, 2025 - Mark D. Hassakis, a personal injury and workers' compensation attorney at Hassakis & Hassakis, P.C. of Mount Vernon, Illinois, was recently honored with the Illinois Bar Foundation’s Distinguished Award for Excellence on Oct. 17 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago. Mark D. Hassakis has the legal advocacy of Illinois victims in his blood. Born and raised in Mount Vernon, Mark followed in the footsteps of his father, Demetri, a lifelong Mount Vernon attorney, to practice law at Hassakis & Hassakis, P.C, now celebrating 75 years. Mark has dedicated his professional life to helping his fellow Illinois citizens and the community at large. In addition to his exceptional career representing individuals’ needs in the areas of personal injury and workers’ compensation, professional malpractice, and general tort injury cases, Mark is a true leader with unparalleled dedication to giving back to the community. The Illinois Bar Foundation’s Distinguished Award for Excellence, the organization’s highest honor, is awarded annually to individuals whose career and personal life exemplify their ongoing commitment to the law and legal community. “The selection of Mark Hassakis for this year's Distinguished Award of Excellence reflects our belief in the principle that legal excellence and community service go hand in hand. His career demonstrates how individual attorneys can make a lasting impact not just through their practice, but through their commitment to strengthening the legal profession and ensuring access to justice for all Illinois residents.”
Lauren N. Tuckey, Tuckey Law Illinois Bar Foundation President 2025-26
Bar leadership and community impact Mark's commitment to the legal profession extends far beyond his practice. As president of the Illinois State Bar Association (2010-11), he championed juvenile justice reform, established young attorney mentorship programs, and highlighted the vital role lawyers play in strengthening their communities. His passion for juvenile justice led to the establishment of the Illinois Bar Foundation's M. Denny Hassakis Fund, which focuses on improving Illinois' juvenile justice system through public policy changes and programs supporting vulnerable youth. Mark served as president of the Illinois Bar Foundation from 2000 to 2002, during which time he was instrumental in creating the organization's signature fundraising events, including the Gala and Lawyers Rock concert. Mark has held numerous other leadership positions, including chairman of the ISBA Mutual Insurance Company; president of the Jefferson County Bar Association; and board member of the Hellenic Bar Association, the Lawyers' Trust Fund of Illinois, and the Juvenile Justice Initiative. Beyond his legal work, Mark has been a driving force in Mount Vernon and Southern Illinois development. He has spearheaded projects focused on downtown development, historical building restoration, and the support of community parks and arts initiatives. Notable achievements include bringing nationally acclaimed jazz artists to teach area grade school students and commissioning an "Abraham Lincoln as a Lawyer" sculpture for the 5th Appellate Court grounds in Mount Vernon. A proud Northwestern University alumnus, Mark continues to serve as an alumni regent and member of the Northwestern University Leadership Circle since 2012, acting as an ambassador for the university. Mark's extensive community involvement includes leadership roles with the Downtown Development Corporation of Mt. Vernon, Jefferson County Historical Society, Lincoln Park Foundation, Vernon West Rotary Club (Paul Harris Fellow), and numerous other local organizations dedicated to enriching Southern Illinois. Bar Admissions