The Heart of Illinois 2-1-1 help line reported a record quarter of inquiries this year. The information and referral service operated by the Heart of Illinois United Way and Advanced Medical Transport of Central Illinois received 2,876 calls between April and June. That’s 266 more than the previous high quarter. Read More at www.pjstar.com…

Kevin Nowlan doesn’t see more cots in emergency shelters solving the homeless problem in central Illinois. “Permanent housing is the answer,” said the Continuum of Care director with the Heart of Illinois United Way, the agency that last year took over management of the region’s homeless care program. But it’s a matter of taking one step at a time, he said. “We don’t have the housing stock for all of the homeless people in the area. That’s why we’re prioritizing,” said Nowlan. Read More at www.pjstar.com…