Take Action to Restore State of Illinois Budget Cuts to Homeless Services : Housing Matters Nov 8,2011

Housing Matters Illinois

The Illinois General Assembly is considering supplemental appropriations for crucial human service programs. We're advocating that this include restoring budget cuts for the program funding overnight shelters and transitional housing programs.

Problem:

Last year the Emergency and Transitional Housing Program provided overnight shelter and transitional housing to 40,542 people, one-third of them below the age of 18. However, people were turned away 45,673 times.

This year the state budget for these programs was cut by 52%, from $9.1 million to $4.4 million. The cuts could force an additional 6,746 people on to our streets.

How are providers responding?

*Reducing number of beds available
*Reducing number of people served
*Laying off staff who provide case management and other services

In addition, some agencies are at-risk of closing unless cuts are restored.

Action Needed:

Please contact your state legislators and ask them to restore funding cuts to the Emergency and Transitional Housing Program. We need to act now, as the end of the legislature's fall Veto Session is November 10.

Deadline for responding: Please take action by November 10, 2011.

To assist Housing Matters Illinois visit:
http://housingmatters.net/