Beginning August 1, 2022, each institution of higher education is required to designate a Housing and Opportunities that are Useful for Students’ Excellence (HOUSE) Liaison to assist students who may be facing housing insecurity or homelessness. Allison Shuppara-Ooton serves as ÃÈÃÃÊÓƵ’s HOUSE Liaison. She can assist students who may be facing housing insecurity by connecting them with campus and community resources.

Contact Us

Allison Shuppara-Ooton, HOUSE Liaison
Phone: 217-875-7211, ext. 6304
Email: shuppara@richland.edu
Office: N120, Student Success Center

If you need immediate assistance, please call 211 to be connected to community resource information. If you are in immediate need of mental health services, please call 988. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

Support Services

  • Help with referring students to campus resources, including: The Market, Student Assistance Fund, Mental Health Counseling, and Academic Support Services.
  • Referrals to area social service agencies depending on the student’s needs.
  • Assistance with financial aid and scholarship options.
  • Providing a confidential, safe, and supportive environment.

Campus Resources

/current-students/wellnesservices/

Post-Secondary Education Services for Youth in Care

If you are a student exiting DCFS/youth in care, you might be eligible for educational funding. For more information, visit the

Potential Funds/Financial Assistance Programs

Dove Financial (DFA Program): 217-619-9108

Assistance Programs

  • 217-423-7711 | Manages public housing and Section 8 programs.
  • 217-362-7700 | Assists those facing homelessness.
  • : 217-428-4672 | Homeless prevention with emergency assistance with rent or utilities.
  • : 217-429-5846 | May assist financial if funds are available.
  • 217-428-2193 | When available, can shelter low-income homeless families and provide meals for a limited amount of time.

Food Pantry Locations

  • : 217-423-7783 | At First Lutheran Church every Wednesday from 10 am – 12 pm
  • : 217-428-3458 | Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9-11 am
  • : 217-935-6619 | Thursdays from 10 am-2 pm
  • 217-875-0616 | 3rd Thursday from 6:30 pm-8:30 pm | 2nd and 4th Saturday from 10 am-12 pm
  • 217-423-4264 | Saturday after the first full week of each month from 10:30 am-12 pm | ID required
  • 217-794-5111 | Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 am-6 pm, Friday from 9 am-9 pm, Saturday from 9 am-1 pm | Limited to one bag weekly
  • : 217-864-4813 | 3rd Thursday of each month from 5-6 pm and 3rd Saturday of each month from 9-11 am | Must be a district resident | ID required
  • 217-423-7333 | Mondays from 5-7 pm | one time per month/ID required
  • 217-429-5846 | Tuesdays from 9-11 am
  • : 217-429-4278 | Tuesdays from 9-11 am
  • : 217-429-8050 | Tuesday and Thursday from 5-7 pm and Saturday from 8-10 am
  • : 217-429-1455 | Prepared lunch every day from 11:30 am-1 pm

Shelters/Resources

  • 217-422-2790 | 234 S College St. Decatur, Il 62521 | Providing emergency shelter to women and children
  • : 217-422-2790 | 929 N Union Decatur, Il 62522 | Women and Children
  • Domestic Violence Hotline | 217-423-2238
  • 217-428-4672 | 137 S Church St. Decatur, Il 62523 | Men’s shelter with temporary housing, support, job search, life-readiness, and self-sufficiency
  • Homeless Veterans:  217-278-9897 | Prescreen required
  • 217-424-2381 | 758 N Water St. Decatur, Il 62523 | Single men only
  • : Call 211 to be connected with resources in your community