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📸 Credit: 2025 Homelessness Report and Needs Analysis
Kane County’s 2025 Homelessness Report shows just how challenging the housing crisis has become locally — especially for families, seniors, and people with disabilities.
The Kane County Housing Continuum of Care gathered data from shelters, service providers, and focus groups to identify where the gaps are and what solutions might help.
Key takeaways from the report:
Who’s affected most: In 2024, 1,718 people experienced homelessness in Kane County, including more than 350 children. Seniors made up a growing share, and nearly 40% of all individuals reported a disability .
High shelter demand: More than 1,600 people relied on emergency shelters last year, but space is so limited that the largest shelter moved to a waitlist system.
Housing challenges: Kane County is now the second most expensive county for housing in Illinois, with rents for a two-bedroom unit averaging $1,761 — 73% higher than the state average . Affordable units are extremely scarce, with only a 1% vacancy rate.
Top priorities: Providers and residents identified permanent supportive housing, emergency shelter expansion, and greater access to mental health care as the most urgent needs .
The report makes it clear that homelessness in Kane County isn’t just a housing problem — it’s a community-wide challenge that requires resources, collaboration, and long-term planning.
📖 Thanks for reading
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