HUMAN SERVICE PROVIDERS BATTLE COVID-19, ROCKY FINANCIAL FOOTING
PANDEMIC RESPONSE REQUIRES NIMBLE ACTION, INCREASED COMMUNICATION
The COVID-19 pandemic is creating new challenges for Illinois’ human service providers as they strive to fulfill their missions to support children, families, and individuals in crisis.
Financial strains are compounded by the health risks involved with providing services. In addition, COVID-19’s negative effect on the economy has resulted in a tremendous burden on providers’ ability to promote wellness, self-sufficiency, and a better quality of life for residents who rely on state programs.
Most human service providers are still trying to regain their financial footing after the state’s two-year budget impasse forced them to borrow money to keep their doors open.
“The budget impasse did not set up organizations for success to handle a global pandemic.” — Lauren Wright, Illinois Partners for Human Service
“The uneasiness and financial worries are very much similar,” said Lauren Wright, executive director of Illinois Partners for Human Service.
“The budget impasse did not set up organizations for success to handle a global pandemic. And as a result I think we will see many organizations struggle to meet the needs of their communities in the coming months.”
Communication vital as pandemic unfolds
In the early weeks of Gov. JB Pritzker’s stay-at-home orders, human service organizations quickly adapted to the needs of their communities. Sharing information among clients and providers was key.
Agencies such as the Illinois Collaboration on Youth began establishing lines of communication as they managed to transition in the absence of much warning or guidelines. The organization collected information, ideas, and opportunities, and then shared them across multiple platforms.
Early Intervention, a statewide program for evaluating and assessing infants and toddlers, suspended most of its traditional programs during the early weeks of the crisis. The Early Intervention Bureau modified procedures so that this is no longer a problem. Caregivers now are able to get children evaluated to set up new services, and therapists use digital interactions to deliver therapy sessions. Many are cautiously rolling out one-on-one therapy sessions based on evolving guidelines.
The larger concern for Early Intervention providers is that their intake numbers dropped during the stay-at-home orders. Intakes are a significant part of the formula for paying providers. But because the numbers are reconciled six months later, the effect on Early Intervention will not be measurable until October. Many are concerned their payments will be reduced.
“While our numbers took a temporary hit, providers such as us did not lay off any staff,” said Steve Boisse, chief executive officer of DayOne PACT, an agency that provides case management, trustee services, and guardianship for people with disabilities in Illinois.
“And since we are already back to serving kids, including some who didn’t reach out to us at that time because everyone was sheltering at home, there should be a ‘hold harmless’ in our payments for at least another quarter.”
Senior service providers step up
Senior Services of Central Illinois provides meals, programs, and transportation to 18,000 seniors in the state’s central region. The agency managed the chaotic early days of the pandemic partly based on its experience weathering the state budget impasse. Its providers have benefitted from financial support through the federal CARES Act and a large number of volunteers who have stepped up.
Meanwhile, one of the biggest challenges facing Senior Service Coalition of Lake County is transportation for those who have medical appointments. Concerns about health risks lowered the number of available volunteers. Rent assistance is also a looming challenge, according to the agency.
Agencies help providers navigate federal help
Illinois Partners for Human Service and the Illinois Collaboration on Youth, or ICOY, are hosting multiple web conferences to assist human services providers with often complicated information regarding the CARES Act and Paycheck Protection Program loans.
According to Wright, the state has encouraged providers to take advantage of the Paycheck Protection Program, hoping it would help keep them whole. The understanding is that if they applied for the program it would appear as a line of credit that might later be converted to a whole or partial grant.
Many applied with the understanding that even if they do end up having to pay it back it can provide an important source of cash flow for salaries and services.
The greatest need will continue to be financial assistance, including more funding for homeless prevention programs. Low-income families don’t have a financial safety net, and many call providers seeking rent and utility assistance. Although rent adjustments or suspensions are often secured, there is not enough funding to assist with utility bills.
Providers will continue to need more personal protective equipment, cleaning supplies, emergency lodging funds, and utility assistance. Their current focus is on how they can safely reopen and re-engage with the public and sustain services in an uncertain economic environment. ■
