The issue of homelessness in Kewanee drew attention this month when the City Council discussed proposed changes to the city’s health, safety and sanitation ordinance. Police Chief Stephen Kijanowski presented several options addressing the obstruction of public spaces.

Although Kijanowski assured the council and the community that the proposals were not intended to target unhoused residents, one proposed ordinance did include provisions related to people sleeping on benches, sidewalks and in parks.

Take the survey: Understanding Homelessness in Our Community

The number of unhoused people in Kewanee is unknown, but at least one person experiencing homelessness told The Kewanee Voice that more people are living without stable housing than many realize.

We invite you to share your thoughts on this issue by taking our short community survey. It includes five questions and should take only a few minutes to complete.

Your input will help us better understand how residents view homelessness and what solutions readers think could strengthen our community.