CHICAGO – Continuing his efforts to assist people across Illinois and especially those most often left behind, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today announced grants totaling more than $28,000 to support emergency shelters and non-profits that serve homeless and near-homeless people throughout Northeast Illinois. The state’s support comes through the Emergency Shelter Grant Program, one of the Governor’s key initiatives designed to help local communities provide critical assistance to their poor and underserved populations.
“There are many in our world who need a helping hand on their journey to a brighter tomorrow, and it’s important to provide this support, especially when it comes to a shelter over a family’s head,” Gov. Blagojevich said. “While those who are homeless or struggling to make a decent living often get pushed to the fringes in our society, it is our obligation to nurture our struggling friends and neighbors to a path of financial stability¬. Shelters in Kankakee and across Illinois work diligently to do this each and every day.”
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) administers the Emergency Shelter Grant Program from funding provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The support enables community-based organizations to rehabilitate, renovate and operate emergency shelters, as well as provide essential services for the homeless and prevention assistance to those at risk of homelessness. Funding is available to units of general local government on behalf of not-for-profit organizations and directly to not-for-profit organizations through a competitive grant application process.
“When we have residents that are struggling to meet their basic survival needs, the opportunity for economic advancement is only a dream. By supporting these community organizations that provide critical services to our community’s homeless, Gov. Blagojevich is helping our citizens most in need pursue the path of building a better tomorrow for themselves and their families,” State Senator Debbie Halvorson (D-Chicago Heights) said.
“Gov. Blagojevich understands the importance of supporting community-based organizations that deliver services to populations that are difficult to reach. These grants will make it easier for our non-profits to continue helping these people and acting as an invaluable resource to our communities,” said State Representative Lisa Dugan (D-Kankakee).
Organizations in the Northeast region who will receive funding include:
| Organization |
City |
Amount |
| Salvation Army |
Kankakee |
$18,000 |
| Victims Asst. Center |
Kankakee |
$10,000 |
Program funds may be used to implement one or more of the following activities:
- Rehabilitation, renovation or conversion of buildings for use as emergency shelters;
- New or expanded essential services provided by the not-for-profit organization in connection with direct services such as job training, substance abuse counseling, health and educational services;
- Homelessness prevention activities, such as short-term subsidies to help cover the cost of rent and utility expenses, security deposits or first month's rent, or other innovative programs and activities designed to prevent homelessness; and,
- Operation or maintenance expenses directly related to the emergency shelter.
“Gov. Blagojevich will continue making investments that make a tangible difference by providing vital resources to local communities. Homeless shelters in Kankakee will be able to provide better care for those who are struggling, so their clients can stay dry and warm until the tide turns and they find a sustainable income,” DCEO Director Jack Lavin said.