Rockford Homeless Project
Joel Givens worked 22 years at the Rockford Police Department. He has worked in many areas of the police department. His positions consisted of working patrol as an officer, Sergeant, and a Lieutenant. Joel worked on the Tactical Drug Team, and upon receiving a promotion to Detective he moved to the Training Division training 305 officers and 43 civilians for 4 years.
He was placed in charge of the department's Recruiting, Training, and Accreditation as a Lieutenant. Joel was selected as the Commander of the Hostage Negotiations Team, Rockford Police Department Honor Guard, and the Public Safety Response Team.
He was an instructor and coordinator for the Citizen’s Police Academy, on the Catholic Charites Board, the Veteran’s Court Team and the Rockford Police Department Use of Force Board. Joel was a member of the International Chief’s of Police, and of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executive (NOBLE).
Joel has BA in Criminal Justice Management from Judson College. He is a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command class #410, and selected Vice President of his class. Joel served in the United States Air Force for 21.5 years. (Retired)
Angie Walker is the Homeless Program Coordinator with the City of Rockford Human Services Department. Angie received a BS in psychology from Illinois State University and a Master of Public Administration from Capella University.
Angie oversees all homeless programs for the City including the Single Point of Entry System for a two county area. She also coordinates the planning and data collection for the annual Point-inTime count of the homeless. She leads the Homeless Outreach Team, which seeks out and engages homeless living on the streets.
Angie sits of the board of the Northern Illinois Homeless Coalition, is the Chair of the Coordinated Entry Committee, the chair of Built for Zero: Veteran/ Chronic Committee, and the Mental Health & Homelessness Committee.
Rockford has been confirmed as reaching “functional zero” for both veterans and chronically homeless. Angie, along with her staff and partners, are now working diligently to end all homelessness for all in Rockford.
Shannon Kopp is a 25 year member of the Rockford Fire Department with the City of Rockford. Prior to 2018, Shannon worked as a firefighter/paramedic before taking on her current role as Mobile Integrated Healthcare Manager (MIH). MIH provides community based health care to reduce health care utilization. This position has allowed Shannon to work closely with individuals, who struggle with their medical and mental health needs.
Shannon’s goal is to educate and improve access to primary and preventive healthcare and basic social service needs.
Shannon sits on several committees, such as Mental Health and Homelessness committee, Built for Zero: Veteran/ Chronic committee and Northern Illinois Homeless committee. Shannon is working hard to be an advocate to those individuals who cannot help themselves; thereby improving their quality of life.