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About Us

Dedicated to offering safe housing, essential resources, and personalized support to individuals and families in Springfield, empowering them to regain stability, independence, and a brighter future.

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Our Story

Fifth Street Renaissance began as Community Energy Systems in 1979, with the purpose of weatherproofing homes for elderly and low-income clients in Springfield, Illinois. As the needs in the Springfield community evolved so did the scope of the organization.  In 1986, Fifth Street Renaissance opened the first transitional shelter program to provide housing and comprehensive services to individuals experiencing homelessness, to help them address barriers to independent living. 
 

The mission of the Springfield AIDS Resource Association (SARA Center) was to provide inclusive care, support, housing, and advocacy services for HIV+ individuals and their families. This included education, preventative care, and outreach in high-risk communities. 

 

Fifth Street Renaissance and the SARA Center merged in 2006, the missions combined, and our dedicated staff continue to carry the mission forward under the guidance of our Board of Directors. We continue to provide services based on compassion, empowerment, and respect for the diversity of those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS and those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. While our programs may continue to evolve based on the needs of our those we serve, the overarching goal to support the most vulnerable in our community through difficult times will remain. 

Our Sponsors

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Our Commitment

Offering comprehensive services and a dedication to uplifting vulnerable individuals

Our Mission

It is our mission at Fifth Street Renaissance to assist individuals and families in difficult situations. We provide resources, transitional housing, opportunities to develop job skills and acquire education, and aid in securing employment. Our aim is to support our clients as they reclaim their self-sufficiency and wellbeing.

We have integrated the mission of the Springfield AIDS Resource Association (SARA Center) to assist those individuals diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, their caregivers, and families by locating affordable housing, medical assistance, counseling, and financial responsibility when necessary. The agency also will work to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDs through education, awareness, and prevention.

Our Vision

We envision a compassionate community where every individual has access to safe housing, support, and opportunities for growth. Our goal is to eliminate homelessness in Springfield and create a future where everyone can thrive.

Our Values

  • Compassion: We treat everyone with kindness and understanding.

  • Empowerment: We equip individuals with the tools to rebuild their lives.

  • Inclusivity: We respect and embrace all, ensuring everyone feels valued.

  • Collaboration: We work together with community partners to achieve shared goals.

  • Respect: We uphold the dignity of every individual we serve.

3,181
Lives Touched

In FY2024, Fifth Street Renaissance Outreach staff and Case Managers provided 3,181 documented instances of in-person transportation and 1,264 bus passes/token packs for medical and mental health appointments, employment search, substance abuse treatment, housing search, etc.

99%
Success Rate

For FY2024, in just one program of 20, Fifth Street Renaissance (as recommended by Heartland Housed/Heartland Continuum of Care) distributed $186,150 in Springfield/Sangamon County to prevent individuals and families from becoming homeless with a 99% success rate. For FY2025 we will distribute $320,000 in rent, security deposit, mortgage, and utility assistance to prevent homelessness along with case management, inspection, and advocacy to ensure safe, decent, and affordable housing.

37,587
Bed Nights

From May 2023 to May 2024, Fifth Street Renaissance provided 37,587 bed nights of housing across our various programs with case management and various other supportive services provided.

Our Staff

Penny Powell

Executive Director

Ralph Shank

Executive Director Assistant

Roxanne Anderson

Accounting Specialist

Teresa Pickrel

Community Outreach Administrator

Virginia Pursley

Housing Program Administrator

Lauren Thoele

HOPWA Case Manager and Administrative Assistant

Sabrina Wesley

Data Coordinator

Cole Powell

Spring Street Veterans Renaissance Case Manager

Dawn Bailey

Pasfield Transitional Housing Case Manager

Raenesha Green

ISHOP Housing Coordinator Supervisor

Mustafa Armstrong

HOPWA Case Manager / RIG Outreach Specialist

William Jones

Cook Street Renaissance Case Manager

Sonia Kenney

DCFS Lead Housing Advocate

Amanda Hauer

DHS RRH Case Manager

Bobby Boehme

DHS PSH Case Manager

Ricky Miller

SPI PSH Case Manager

Damaris King

Homeless Prevention Case Manager

Sadie Davis

ETH VP Case Manager/Aide

Shymeka Kerr

ETH VP Case Manager/Aide

Samantha Brown

CORS Lead Peer Recovery Specialist

Eric Powell

Reintegration Resource Coordinator

James "Jay" Lewis

Outreach Specialist

Tre'Anna Whitfield

DCFS Housing Advocate

Amy Shepard

CORS Peer Recovery Specialist

Jasmine Slattery

HEP B Outreach Specialist

Keisha Johnson

ISHOP Housing Coordinator

Mike Morris

CORS Peer Recovery Specialist

Eric Tolefree

Outreach Specialist

P.D. Van Klaveren

CORS Peer Recovery Specialist - Belleville

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Board Members

President

Robert Weis

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Vice President

Joan Bestudik

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Secretary

Anna Hickey

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Treasurer

Deborah Williams

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Board Member

Robert Croteau

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Board Member

Roma Larson

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Board Member

Richard Owens

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Board Member

Juwanda Burrage

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Board Member

Greg Pacelli

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Executive Director

Penny Powell

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A Place of Remembrance and Reflection

The AIDS Memorial Labyrinth, located in Lincoln Park, honors those whose lives have been impacted by HIV/AIDS. Established with the support of the Coalition of Rainbow Alliances (CORAL), it provides a serene space for reflection, gratitude, and healing. Visitors are invited to walk the labyrinth path, meditate, and commemorate the resilience of our community.

Add a name or inspirational message to the AIDS Memorial Labyrinth to honor and remember loved ones affected by HIV/AIDS

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