UPDATE: Two candidates emerge for the City of Champaign Township Supervisor position as urgent shelter needs escalate. Mike Ingram, current Democratic Chair, emphasizes the critical need to rebuild relationships and secure funding for the Strides Shelter, which is facing a funding crisis.
Ingram stated, “We are going to continue to see more and more people get pushed off the ledge of keeping themselves and their families housed and fed.” This urgent declaration comes as the township prepares to appoint a new supervisor at a board meeting scheduled for January 6, 2024. The new leader will serve out the remainder of former Supervisor Kyle Patterson‘s term, which ends in May 2029.
Champaign Township attorney Thomas Yu confirmed that the board will choose between Ingram and Charlene Murray, the interim executive director of Strides Shelter. A third candidate, Lametra Kelly, was disqualified for not residing within the township limits, highlighting the strict eligibility criteria for the position.
Ingram’s focus on the shelter is timely, as he pointed to the dwindling funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, stating, “That need hasn’t gone away, but the funding that got it started has.” He urged collaborative efforts among community stakeholders to address the ongoing housing crisis, emphasizing that immediate action is necessary to support vulnerable families.
Murray expressed her commitment to enhancing shelter operations and strengthening community ties. She remarked, “This role isn’t about politics — it’s about being a visionary.” If appointed, her goals include stabilizing and improving the Strides Shelter and fostering partnerships with the University of Illinois to tackle housing issues more effectively.
As the township board prepares for interviews, the urgency of the situation cannot be understated. With the deadline for appointing a new supervisor approaching on January 17, swift decisions are crucial. Current Deputy Supervisor Corrine Jordan is managing the administrative duties while the role remains vacant, following Patterson’s resignation due to health issues.
Both candidates are expected to address the township’s pressing challenges, including the need for a strategic approach to housing and support services. The community’s future depends on their ability to navigate these complexities and ensure that essential services are accessible to all residents.
As developments unfold, residents are urged to stay informed and engaged. The board’s decisions in the coming weeks could significantly impact the township’s response to the ongoing shelter and housing crisis.
