Monday, March 19, 2012

ACTION ALERT - Stop Illinois Proposed Cut to the Emergency and Transitional Housing Program | March 19, 2012


Housing Matters need you to contact your state legislators and ask them to reject the proposed cut of 52% to the Emergency and Transitional Housing Program and fund it the current year level of $9.1 million.

Problem:

Less that three months after the Illinois General Assembly voted to restore a 52% state funding cut to agencies providing shelter and transitional housing for people experiencing homelessness, Governor Pat Quinn is proposing to slash this funding again as part of his fiscal year 2013 budget proposal released in February.

During fiscal year 2011, the most recent year for which data is available, the program served 40,542 people, 30% of them below the age of 18. As in past years, however, the need for assistance was far greater than the availability, as people were turned away 45,673 times.
It estimated that an additional 6,746 more people could end up on the streets if the proposed cuts go forward.

Action Needed:

The Illinois General Assembly must approve their own version of the state budget by May 31. It's crucial that state legislators be contacted as soon as possible.

Deadline for responding: Please take action by March 23, 2012.
http://www.housingmatters.net/takeaction.asp?aaid=5879

Less that three months after the Illinois General Assembly voted to restore a 52% state funding cut to agencies providing shelter and transitional housing for people experiencing homelessness, Governor Pat Quinn is proposing to slash this funding again as part of his fiscal year 2013 budget proposal released in February.

A November 29, 2011 vote by the Illinois General Assembly restored a $4.7 million cut for fiscal year 2012 to more than 100 nonprofit organizations in all parts of the state funded by the Emergency and Transitional Housing Program. Governor Quinn had originally made the cut in his budget proposal earlier in the year.

The Emergency and Transitional Housing Program provides temporary housing and critical supportive services to get adults back on their feet and help prevent future instability.

During fiscal year 2011, the most recent year for which data is available, the program served 40,542 people, 30% of them below the age of 18. As in past years, however, the need for assistance was far greater than the availability, as people were turned away 45,673 times.

Last year, funded agencies responded to the proposed cuts by planning to reduce the number of beds they make available, reducing the number of people served and/or laying off staff who provide case management and other services. In addition, some agencies were at-risk of closing unless the cuts were restored.

It estimated that an additional 6,746 more people could end up on the streets if the proposed cuts go forward.

Deadline for responding: Please take action by March 23, 2012.
http://www.housingmatters.net/takeaction.asp?aaid=5879

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