CHICAGO – In continuing his efforts to assist the state’s poor and homeless populations, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today announced nearly $250,000 in grants to support emergency shelters and non-profits that serve those in need of a helping hand throughout Central Illinois.  The state’s support comes through the Emergency Shelter Grants 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 Grants 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 Central Illinois who will receive funding include:

Organization	City	Amount
Salvation Army	Decatur	$14,200
Salvation Army	Hillsboro	$20,243
Abundant Ministries	Springfield	$22,088
Contact Ministries	Springfield	$41,720
Fifth Street Renaissance	Springfield	$42,136
Helping Hands of Springfield, Inc.	Springfield	$39,000
M.E.R.C.Y. Communities, Inc.	Springfield	$30,706
P.O.R.A.	Springfield	$38,212

“All of these dedicated local agencies serve our most vulnerable men, women and children every day, and Gov. Blagojevich and I are happy to help them address a difficult problem that must be solved,” State Senator Deanna Demuzio (D-Carlinville) said.

“Gov. Blagojevich and I understand 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,” State Rep. Bob Flider (D-Mt. Zion) said.

“We can never forget those people who have no place to call home.  By continually investing in our community organizations that help the homeless build better lives, we are also helping build better communities,” State Representative Gary Hannig (D-Gillespie) said.

“These emergency shelter grants will help Springfield provide essential services to our homeless population.  We appreciate the state’s commitment to help us to increase opportunities for them to get back on their feet and integrated into the workforce,” Springfield Mayor Timothy J. Davlin 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 difference in people’s lives.  Homeless shelters throughout Central Illinois 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.