Governor Ryan Announces Additional Funding for Emergency Food and Shelter for the Homeless

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan today announced nearly $1 million in expansion funds for Emergency Food and Shelter programs administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS).

"The Emergency Food and Shelter programs fill a critical need by providing funding for food, shelter and supportive services to non-profit organizations that serve the homeless people who are at risk of becoming homeless," Governor Ryan said. "These additional dollars will help support community outreach efforts to provide this vulnerable population with the services they need to survive while they rebuild their lives."

Shelter programs in Illinois consist of overnight shelters that provide emergency sleeping accommodations for up to12 hours and transitional shelters that may provide shelter, food and supportive services for up to two years. Supportive services help homeless individuals and families access a network of programs that can assist them in returning to self-sufficiency. These services include counseling, referral, follow-up and placement into permanent, affordable housing.

"Now is the time to intensify our efforts to identify homeless persons and begin the services they need before cold weather hits Illinois," said DHS Secretary Linda Reneé Baker. "These expansion grants will help our community partners accomplish this important goal."

Twenty-three community-based organizations will receive grants from $12,000 to $70,000 under the Emergency Food and Shelter Program to serve the homeless.