CHICAGO – In continuing his efforts to assist the state’s poor and homeless populations, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today announced grants totaling more than $46,000 to support emergency shelters and non-profits that serve those in need of a helping hand in the Kankakee area.  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 who will receive funding include:

Organization	City	Amount
Salvation Army	Kankakee	$21,000
Victims Asst. Center	Kankakee	$10,000
Garden of Prayer Youth Center	Momence	$15,160

“This is a problem that needs our time, attention and our resources.  The Governor’s ongoing support for these dedicated local organizations demonstrates not only our compassion but our commitment to dealing with homelessness head on,” State Senator Debbie Halvorson (D-Chicago Heights) said.
        
“Gov. Blagojevich’s Emergency Shelter Grants Program is a vital means of providing the organizations that work on the frontlines each day with the resources they need to continue delivering essential services to the homeless so we can give them the opportunity to make a better tomorrow for themselves,” State Representative Lisa Dugan (D-Kankakee) 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.