CHICAGO – In continuing his efforts to assist the state’s poor and homeless populations, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today announced grants totaling more than $315,000 to support emergency shelters and non-profits that serve those in need of a helping hand throughout Southern 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 Southern Illinois 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 Southern Illinois who will receive funding include:

Organization	City	Amount
Bethany Village	Anna	$19,400
Cairo Women’s Shelter	Cairo	$48,280
Good Samaritan Ministries	Carbondale	$21,800
The Women’s Center	Carbondale	$10,000
Egyptian Public/Mental Health Dept.	Eldorado	$25,000
Anna Bixby Women’s Center	Harrisburg	$35,500
Williamson Co. Family Crisis Center	Herrin	$30,332
Salvation Army	Marion	$38,130
The Lighthouse Shelter	Marion	$50,000
Guardian Family Services Center	Metropolis	$36,700

       
 “Gov. Blagojevich and I believe we must address homelessness using the same successful strategic approach we are employing to create better jobs in Southern Illinois.  By partnering with those who are most heavily invested in our communities and best equipped to effectively deliver resources at the ground level, we are dealing with a very critical issue that demands our support and attention,” State Senator Gary Forby (D-Benton) said.

“These emergency shelter grants will help our communities provide much needed services to our homeless men, women and children. By helping to increase the opportunities available to them, we are giving them a chance to get back on their feet and, hopefully, into a home and onto a job.  Thank you to Governor Blagojevich and the Administration for this investment in our communities,” State Rep. John Bradley (D-Marion) said. 

“By supporting organizations that help low-income people in this region care for those who are struggling most, Gov. Blagojevich is helping make a positive impact on all of Southern Illinois,” State Rep. Brandon Phelps (D-Harrisburg).

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 Southern 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.