CHICAGO – In continuing his efforts to assist the state’s poor and homeless populations, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today announced grants totaling nearly $224,000 to support emergency shelters and non-profits that serve those in need of a helping hand 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.

“Through hard work, compassion and commitment, these shelters and community service organizations assist our struggling friends and neighbors every day as they fight for a better life, achieve financial stability and even keep their homes.  It is vital that we support these local agencies that are on the frontlines serving the needs of those who have no place to call home or are on the verge of being homeless,” Gov. Blagojevich said.

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 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 applications process.

Organizations in the region who will receive funding include:

Organization	City	Amount
Carpenters Place Aurora	Aurora	$16,240
Public Action to Deliver Shelter, Inc.	Aurora	$57,800
Christian Family Ministries	Joliet	$52,000
Guardian Angel Home	Joliet	$14,500
NCO Youth & Family Services	Naperville	$20,124
Lazarus House	St. Charles	$20,000
DuPage PADS	Wheaton	$43,000

“Gov. Blagojevich understands the need for a grassroots approach to economic development.  The Emergency Shelter Grant Program is an important step in helping to build stronger, more vibrant communities by working together to prevent homelessness and increase the availability of essential services for our population that are most in need,” State Senator Arthur ‘A.J.’ Whilelmi (D-Joliet) said.

“These emergency shelter grants will help our communities provide much needed services to our homeless population.  By helping to increase the opportunities available to our homeless and underserved constituents we are giving them a chance to get back on their feet and into the workforce.  Gov. Blagojevich continues to make the kinds of sensible investments that matter most,” State Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia (D-Aurora) said.

“Gov. Blagojevich’s Emergency Shelter Grant Program is so critical because it increases the availability of essential services for populations most in need.  By working to prevent homelessness, we’re helping
build stronger and more vibrant communities,” State Rep. Jack McGuire (D-Joliet) said.

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 education 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’s investments are making a real differences in people’s lives.  Homeless shelters throughout the region will be able to continue to care for those who are struggling.  By delivering vital resources and necessary support, shelters and community organizations will help their neighbors keep dry and warm until they can find a new home and a steady job,” DCEO Director Jack Lavin said.