CHICAGO – In continuing his efforts to assist the state’s poor and homeless populations, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today announced grants totaling nearly $300,000 to support emergency shelters and non-profits that serve those in need of a helping hand throughout North 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 North Central Illinois who will receive funding include:

Organization	City	Amount
Children’s Foundation	Bloomington	$12,360
Home Sweet Home Ministries	Bloomington	$34,110
Mid-Central Community Action	Bloomington	$35,316
Salvation Army, Bloomington	Bloomington	$13,000
The Baby Fold	Normal	$10,000
Salvation Army	Pekin	$41,312
Center for Prevention of Abuse	Peoria	$21,000
Human Service Center	Peoria	$29,000
Salvation Army	Peoria	$43,592
Salvation Army Service xtension	Peoria	$42,190
YWCA	Peoria	$17,000

  

            
           “Thanks to Gov. Blagojevich’s support, these dedicated local organizations can continue to provide shelter for families to stay safe, warm and dry so they can get back on their feet and pursue new opportunities.  We must always be willing and able to help people when they need it the most, and this is an important way we can do just that,” State Senator David Koehler (D-Peoria) said. 

“I agree with Gov. Blagojevich that an effective economic development strategy must deliver resources and services at the community level.  The Emergency Shelter Grants Program is one example of how we can positively impact many lives by partnering with community organizations to make sure we reach as many people as we possibly can.  We want to help them get back on their feet, into a home and a job,” said State Representative Michael Smith (D-Canton).

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.