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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, founded in 1979, began by weatherproofing homes for low-income and elderly residents. It expanded to provide housing and support for the homeless, and in 2006 merged with the SARA Center to offer care and advocacy for those affected by HIV/AIDS. Today, the organization continues to support Springfield's most vulnerable through compassionate care and housing services.

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.

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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Our Staff

Penny Powell

Executive Director

Ralph Shank

Executive Director Assistant

Roxanne Anderson

Accounting Specialist

Teresa Pickrel

Community Outreach 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

Amanda Hauer

DHS RRH/PSH Case Manager

Mustafa Armstrong

HOPWA Case Manager / RIG Outreach Specialist

Sonia Kenney

DCFS Lead Housing Advocate

Samantha Brown

CORS Lead Peer Recovery Specialist

William Jones

Cook Street Renaissance Case Manager

Shirley Hampton

Homeless Prevention Case Manager

Virginia Pursley

ETH VP Program Manager

Eric Powell

Reintegration Resource Coordinator

James "Jay" Lewis

Outreach Specialist

Tre'Anna Whitfield

DCFS Housing Advocate

Charles Caesar

ETH VP Case Manager/Aide

Sadie Davis

ETH VP Case Manager/Aide

Amy Shepard

CORS Peer Recovery Specialist

Jasmine Slattery

HEP B Outreach Specialist

Keisha Johnson

ISHOP Housing Coordinator

Damaris King

DHS RRH/PSH Case Manager

Mike Morris

Outreach Specialist

Eric Tolefree

Outreach Specialist

Keisha Johnson

ISHOP Housing Coordinator

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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Executive Director

Penny Powell

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