CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Strides, a homeless shelter funded by the City of Champaign Township, is currently addressing a bedbug issue in their facility.
According to Township supervisor Kyle Patterson, the bugs were discovered overnight Saturday by a guest in an isolated room separate from the main sleeping area. To address the infestation, exterminators treated the entire building on Wednesday, necessitating a temporary evacuation of guests.
“During the spraying, we have to clear out those sections of the building,” Patterson explained. “We closed off that space for approximately eight or nine hours.”
Spraying will continue next week. Patterson also said he’s looking into certain devices to buy that might help prevent the problem in the future.
Patterson highlighted that the bug problem is just one of several issues facing the shelter at present. Of particular concern is the shelter’s financial situation, with funding currently projected to end in February 2026, requiring alternative financial support to remain operational.
Patterson said if they can’t find a solution, a closure is a real possibility, meaning 74 people would no longer have a place to sleep at night.
“If needed, we would collaborate with our guests to help them relocate,” Patterson said. “We’d coordinate with community partners to find alternative accommodations, but it would certainly be a significant undertaking if necessary.”
He said he and his team are actively searching for money to keep Strides open, but there have been no major breakthroughs so far.
