Gov. Blagojevich announces nearly $357,000 in Emergency Shelter Grants to expand essential services for area's homeless in Northeast Illinois

"There are many in our world who need a helping hand on their journey to a brighter tomorrow, and it's important to provide this support, especially when it comes to a shelter over a family's head," Gov. Blagojevich said. "While those who are homeless or struggling to make a decent living often get pushed to the fringes in our society, it is our obligation to nurture our struggling friends and neighbors to a path of financial stability. Shelters in the Northeast region and across Illinois work diligently to do this each and every day."

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) administers the Emergency Shelter Grant 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 emergency 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 application process.

"These community organizations work on the frontlines every day to provide essential services to a population of our society that has fallen on hard times and is too often forgotten. Thanks to the Governor's support, these grants will help these shelters provide better and more comprehensive care for those they serve," said State Senator Terry Link (D-Waukegan).

"The Emergency Shelter Grant Program is helping build stronger, more vibrant communities by working to prevent homelessness and increase the availability of essential services for populations most in need. This is a great example of how Gov. Blagojevich's grassroots strategy toward community development is making an impact we can see and feel," said State Rep. Eddie Washington (D-Waukegan).

Organizations in the Northeast region who will receive funding include:

Hope Haven DeKalb $42,000

PADS of Elgin, Inc. Elgin $14,000

Transitional Living Center Hebron $43,880

MARISTELLA Libertyville $20,000

Home of the Sparrow McHenry $20,000

Daisy's Resource and Dev. Center North Chicago $37,000

PADS Crisis Services, Inc. North Chicago $50,000

Lazarus House St. Charles $29,061

Community Social Service, Inc. Waukegan $13,437

DuPage P.A.D.S Wheaton $40,000

McHenry Co. P.A.D.S. Woodstock $47,600

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 educational 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 will continue making investments that make a tangible difference by providing vital resources to local communities. Homeless shelters throughout Northeast Illinois will be able to provide better care for those who are struggling, so their clients can stay dry and warm until the tide turns and they find a sustainable income," DCEO Director Jack Lavin said.