ask Illinois Gov Quinn to Include $6 Million for the Homeless Prevention Program in Next Year's Budget

as shared by Housing Action Illinois ...

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Ask Governor Quinn to Include $6 Million for the Homeless Prevention Program in Next Year's Budget Please support our efforts to get Illinois Governor Pat Quinn to include $6 million for the Homeless Prevention Program in his fiscal year (FY) 2015 budget proposal.  Governor Quinn will release his proposal on February 19. The Homeless Prevention Program provides one-time grants, primarily for rent and utility assistance, and supportive services that prevent and end homelessness. State budget cutbacks have decimated the program, leaving just $4 million available in FY 2014—far less than the $11 million in funding available in FY 2008.   Since 2000, the program has helped 101,830 Illinois households. The average grant in FY 2013 was $1,048, and 88% of recipients reported they remained housed four months after getting the grant. The deep cuts in the program were made at a time when the state benefited from $71 million in federal Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program (HPRP) funds.  Those funds were exhausted in early FY 2013, but the need has not lessened.  It is time to restore state funding. Additional funds will help at a time when unemployment remains high and wages are stagnant, but rents continue to increase. Homeless Prevention funds mean the difference between having stable housing and being on the streets. A $2 million increase, to $6 million in funding for the program next year, will prevent homelessness for more than 5,700 households. One Family's Story One recent recipient of Homeless Prevention funds was a single mother who needed the program because of being on unpaid sick leave from work.  With a grant of $950 for her back rent, she was able to avoid being evicted, keep her child in school and deal with her health care issues.  When she did go back to work, she was not overwhelmed with several bills in arrears. Twelve months later she and her child remain housed. Please contact Governor Quinn right now! You can quickly send an email to Governor Quinn by clicking on this link. Housing Action Illinois  11 E. Adams #1601 Chicago, IL 60603