Oak Park Leaders to Present Homelessness Approach at Public Works Expo Conference 2025
We’re proud to share that Vanessa Matheny and Public Works Director Rob Sproule from the Village of Oak Park recently co-authored an article featured in the American Public Works Association (APWA) Reporter magazine. Written in collaboration with Joel Koenig of the APWA Utility and Public Right-of-Way (UPROW) Committee, the article is titled:
The piece explores how Oak Park is addressing the growing challenge of homelessness in suburban communities through a compassionate, coordinated, and community-driven approach. It highlights key initiatives like Oak Park’s E.C.H.O. Program (Engaging Community for Healthy Outcomes), the Oak Park Homelessness Coalition, and the evolving role of Public Works in supporting vulnerable populations.
We are also excited to announce that next week, Rob and Vanessa will have the honor of presenting on this important topic at the annual APWA Public Works Expo Conference in Chicago. They will be joined on the panel by subject matter experts Lynda Schueler, CEO of Housing Forward, and Jennifer Hill, Executive Director of the Alliance to End Homelessness in Suburban Cook County.
