CHICAGO – In continuing his efforts to assist the state’s poor and homeless populations, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today announced nearly $256,000 in grants 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 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 the Northeast Illinois region who will receive funding include:
    

Organization	City	Amount
Home of the Sparrow, Inc.	Crystal Lake	$23,640
Hope Haven of DeKalb Co.	DeKalb	$32,200
McHenry, Turning Point	Woodstock	$27,800
Lake County Haven	Libertyville	$17,560
Catholic Charities	North Chicago	$22,230
P.A.D.S. Crisis Services, Inc.	North Chicago	$38,760
Community Social Services	Waukegan	$32,200
Pioneer Center for Human Services	Woodstock	$42,010
Turning Point	Woodstock	$19,500

      
“Programs like these improve the quality of life in our communities.  Addressing homelessness is a difficult challenge, but by partnering with those who are most heavily invested in the community and best equipped to effectively deliver resources at the ground level, Gov. Blagojevich and I believe we vastly increase our chances for success,” State Senator Terry Link (D-Waukegan) said. 

“Many of our homeless residents need a helping hand in order to get back on their feet.  These grants for our local organizations will play a vital role in making sure important services are delivered.  I appreciate the Governor assisting our regional efforts to battle homelessness by providing this funding,” State Rep. Jack Franks (D-Woodstock) said.

“While these kinds of programs often go overlooked, they are critical to improving the quality of life for the less fortunate in our communities.  Thanks to the Governor’s support, our community organizations can continue to provide the critical services that help prevent and reduce homelessness,” State Rep. Eddie Washington (D-Waukegan) 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.