DECATUR - The Decatur-Macon County Homeless Council Continuum of Care has attracted the attention of the Chicago Jobs Council, an organization that works with service providers and policymakers to help people living in poverty obtain jobs.

Jeffrey Allington, a policy associate with the council, said the goal of coming to Decatur was to learn how the region implements policies for serving low-income populations.

"How are they working; how are they not working?" he said. "Are community organizations accessing state programs? Are there other funding streams? What are the shared concerns among providers?"

Upon first coming to town, he said, he was impressed with the work the Decatur group has already done, especially with available housing units.

In addition to possibly learning from Decatur, he said the Chicago Jobs Council is seeking potential links to other communities to share best practices, such as recognizing the contributions of small, faith-based organizations.

His job, then, is to help communities outside of Chicago form their own coalition to address barriers faced by low-income residents. The coalition would also build bridges between service providers and policymakers when shaping new policy. Efforts are already under way in Aurora and Rockford.

Carolyn Wagner, director of Faith in Transition at the Decatur Correctional Center, said she saw a potential link with the Chicago Jobs Council because Decatur's center serves women from Macon, Champaign, Cook, Lake, Kane, DuPage and Will counties.

While intending to pave the path for a successful reentry into society, she said the center tries to help women secure jobs upon their release.

"A lot of our women have skills," Wagner said, "but it's so difficult when you've got a record."

Lore Baker, Homeward Bound director, said employment is a huge issue among low-income people, and obtaining jobs could help reduce recidivism and homelessness.

Bethany Carson can be reached at bcarson@;herald-review.com or 421-6968.