Rock Island leaders finalize changes to social services license ordinance

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. (KWQC) - Rock Island city leaders finalized several changes to the city’s social services license ordinance on Monday.

In October, city leaders passed an ordinance that changed how homeless shelters and non-profits operate in the city.

On Monday, council members approved changes to the license ordinance, including a waiver section and allowing for an expedited appeals process.

However, council members failed to remove language that prohibits homeless shelters and food pantries from being within 1,000 feet of other shelters, schools or public parks.

City leaders were able to remove language that would limit shelters to housing at most 49 people. Now the decision will be left up to the Fire Marshall.

Council members also approved an amendment that would make it illegal for someone to represent themselves as a social worker or therapist, or provide these services in a licensed facility without being properly licensed in Illinois.

Groups are still allowed to provide case management, help people navigate housing, provide spiritual counseling and peer mentoring, according to city documents.