The Problem
“Disconnected,” “lack of unity,” “isolated,” “prejudices,” “divisive,” “territorial.” These are some of the most common phrases people used to describe Elgin during the 2020 Community Needs Assessment. This disconnection has led to all kinds of problems. We are focused on solving four of these problems — housing and homelessness, youth engagement, human trafficking, and unity and equity.
Looking at these problems, we have a choice — continue to live this way, or rally together and make a change.
The Data
The 2020 Needs assessment
The Focus Points
The 2021 strategic plan
The Solution
What happens when hundreds or thousands of people come together to solve problems? A community unites with a set of shared goals. When we have a shared goal, align our resources, empower community members and organizations, and build systems of accountability. That’s what people who are a part of One Collective want to see. Our mission is to build trustworthy collaborations, facilitate the creation of common goals, and equip people and organizations with a shared network of resources.
One Collective is already working to bring together community members, social services, faith communities, business leaders, education experts, government employees, and elected officials to collaborate to solve issues of homelessness, human trafficking, community disunity, and youth disengagement.
The Summit for Housing and Homelessness of Summer 2021 brought together community members, crisis services, business leaders, government employees, elected officials, social services, faith communities, and people experiencing housing disparities to solve housing problems and build a shared plan for our community
Through generous support, financial contributions have been made to establish a youth counseling center in Elgin, and a partnership with local schools to help young people access mental health care is beginning as well
A strong and mutually beneficial collaboration to support people affected by human trafficking has come together, joining local counseling centers, law enforcement, churches, and Naomi’s House
Are you looking to find your place at the table and join the work to solve problems?
Find your seat at the table.
