Governor Quinn Highlights State's Efforts to Increase Affordable Housing Options

CHICAGO – October 25, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today commended Illinois’ housing leaders at the 2010 Governor’s Conference on Affordable Housing for their efforts in charting a course to further Illinois’ economic recovery. Governor Quinn highlighted the state’s dedication to affordable housing, including community stabilization, supportive housing to end homelessness, affordable homeownership programs and green building.

“We must do everything we can to make sure Illinois’ working families, seniors and persons with disabilities have affordable housing,” said Governor Quinn. “By leveraging state and federal resources to build more affordable housing, we are strengthening the economy and creating construction jobs.”

Hundreds of housing industry professionals representing the public, private and not-for-profit sectors gathered at the conference at Chicago’s Navy Pier to discuss opportunities and strategies to boost affordable housing opportunities for Illinois’ vulnerable populations.

The conference featured representatives of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and several state agencies: the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS), Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) and the Illinois Department on Aging.

At the close of the conference, the state named the first Governor’s “Champions of Affordable Housing” Awards to honor exemplary leadership in the State of Illinois.

Veterans with disabilities and formerly homeless individuals played key roles in the conference. Veterans Print Management, a company owned by disabled U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, printed the conference programs. Urban Sound Studio, a group created in 2001 by a formerly homeless musician who has dedicated his life to helping others in both the homeless and musical communities, performed for conference attendees.