CHICAGO – In continuing his efforts to assist the state’s poor and homeless populations, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today announced more than $280,000 in grants to support emergency shelters and non-profits that serve those in need of a helping hand throughout Southwest 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 Southwest Illinois who will receive funding include:

Organization	City	Amount
Salvation Army	Alton	$38,712
Salvation Army	Belleville	$34,320
Salvation Army	East St. Louis	$23,880
Call for Help, Inc.	East St. Louis	$23,628
Catholic Urban Programs	East St. Louis	$10,000
CDBG Operations Corporation	East St. Louis	$48,220
Ministers United Against	East St. Louis	$30,280
Human Suffering   Good Samaritan House	Granite City	$31,720
Phoenix Crisis Center	Granite City	$26,980
Highland Area Christian Service   Ministry	Highland	$12,321

“Gov. Blagojevich’s Emergency Shelter Grants Program is assisting social service organizations across the region provide basic necessities like food, shelter and healthcare to the area’s homeless.  We’re first and foremost helping reduce homelessness, but we’re also helping restore economic opportunity to those most in need,” said State Senator James Clayborne (D-East St. Louis).

“While many people have shied away from confronting homelessness and all of the problems associated with it, Gov. Blagojevich and I have embraced the challenge by working closely with community organizations who can deliver the services and resources that will make a major impact in a great many lives,” State Senator William Haine (D-Alton) said. 

“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 Representative Dan Beiser (D-Alton) said.

“We have an obligation to assist those who have nowhere else to go for help.  These fine social service groups are where our homeless turn to everyday for support.  Gov. Blagojevich and I are very pleased to help these dedicated groups lift up these men, women and families and give them hope for a much brighter future,” State Representative Jay Hoffman (D-Collinsville) 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.  We are helping give them the opportunity to make a better tomorrow for themselves,” said State Representative Thomas Holbrook (D-Belleville).

“While these kinds of programs often go overlooked, they are critical to improving the quality of life for the less fortunate in our community.  Thanks to Gov. Blagojevich’s support, our community organizations can continue to provide the critical services that help prevent and reduce homelessness,” State Representative Wyvetter Younge (D-East St. Louis) 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.