OUR COMMUNITY
“Disconnected,” “lack of unity,” “isolated,” “prejudices,” “divisive,” “territorial.” These are some of the most common phrases people used to describe Elgin during the 2020 Community Needs Assessment. This disconnection has led to all kinds of problems. We are focused on solving four of these problems — housing and homelessness, youth engagement, human trafficking, and unity and equity.
Looking at these problems, we have a choice — continue to live this way, or rally together and make a change.

OUR WORK
What happens when hundreds or thousands of people come together to solve problems? A community unites with a set of shared goals. When we have a shared goal, align our resources, empower community members and organizations, and build systems of accountability. That’s what people who are a part of One Collective want to see. Our mission is to build trustworthy collaborations, facilitate the creation of common goals, and equip people and organizations with a shared network of resources.
One Collective is already working to bring together community members, social services, faith communities, business leaders, education experts, government employees, and elected officials to collaborate to solve issues of homelessness, human trafficking, community disunity, and youth disengagement.
Learn more and get connected by going to our local site: onecollectiveelgin.org