CHICAGO – In continuing his efforts to assist the state’s poor and homeless populations, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today announced grants totaling $209,000 to support emergency shelters and non-profits that serve those in need of a helping hand throughout East 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 the East Central Illinois region who will receive funding include:

Organization	City	Amount
Center for Women in Transition	Champaign	$55,400
Greater Community AIDS Project	Champaign	$10,000
Mental Health Center of Champaign	Champaign	$36,200
Champaign Co. Salvation Army	Champaign	$34,600
Your Family Resource	Danville	$46,600
Connection, Inc. A Woman’s Fund	Urbana	$10,000
Crisis Nursery	Urbana	$16,200

              

                                                                                  
“We must continue helping people who need a helping hand.  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 in their noble efforts,” said State Senator Michael Frerichs (D-Gifford). 

“These grants will allow six important community organizations to continue providing outstanding community service.  These organizations are essential because they provide assistance to those who are most in need.  These are great Champaign-Urbana organizations that do tremendous work.  I am grateful to know that the Governor released these grants,” State Representative Naomi Jakobsson (D-Urbana) said. 

“Gov. Blagojevich and I strongly believe that these emergency shelter grants will strengthen our communities by providing much needed services to our homeless population.  By helping to increase the opportunities available to this underserved and often overlooked segment of our society, we are giving them a chance to get back on their feet and into the workforce,” said State Representative Bill Black (R-Danville).

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.