Homelessness in Illinois is rising fast. A group of shelter providers and advocates, known as the Illinois Shelter Alliance, is asking the state for $100 million more funding to tackle this issue.
They sent a letter to Governor JB Pritzker in December, hoping the extra money would stop homelessness and provide shelter for people without homes.
This request comes as Illinois faces a tough financial year, with a $3.2 billion deficit starting in July. Governor Pritzker said it’s always challenging to meet funding demands when the budget is tight.
Homelessness is Rising
Between 2023 and 2024, the number of homeless people in Illinois more than doubled. Many of these were migrants sent to Chicago on buses from Texas. While that influx has slowed, homelessness also increased across other parts of the state.
Experts blame this increase on expensive housing, fewer shelter beds, and the end of federal pandemic aid. Extreme cold weather last January pushed more people into shelters, further highlighting the issue.
Governor Pritzker has taken some steps to help. He created a new position to work on affordable housing and revived programs to assist homebuyers with student loans.
His administration also increased funding for Home Illinois, a program aiming to end homelessness, by $90 million last year.
Changes Since the Pandemic
Before the pandemic, Illinois had very few permanent shelters outside cities like Chicago, Rockford, and Aurora.
Churches and temples usually provided temporary shelter. During the pandemic, shelters needed to be less crowded to stop the virus from spreading.
Organizations like South Suburban PADS used federal pandemic funds to buy properties and create better housing options.
These new shelters improved safety, mental health, and access to resources for finding jobs and training.
When pandemic funding ended, the state stepped in, adding $85 million to keep these services going. Now, advocates say another $100 million is needed to add 4,236 emergency shelter beds and stop more people from becoming homeless.
High Cost of Homelessness
Homelessness comes with serious costs. A report from the Illinois Department of Public Health shows homeless people have a shorter lifespan of 10 to 20 years.
Deaths among the homeless have risen by 36% since the pandemic. Homeless people are also three times more likely to be murdered.
Medical care for homeless people cost the state over $16 billion between 2017 and 2022. Advocates say investing in housing and shelter could save money and prevent issues like frostbite, pneumonia, and flu.
The $100 Million Request
Advocates propose spending $40 million of the $100 million on emergency and transitional housing.
The remaining funds would go toward street outreach, prevention programs, and keeping people in their homes.
Housing Forward CEO Lynda Schueler said, “This funding isn’t just for one activity. It’s for outreach, shelters, prevention, and keeping people housed. These are all steps to reduce homelessness.”
Advocates hope the state will act quickly to make these investments, as the cost of doing nothing is far greater.
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Archer Bannister is a journalist with 4 years of experience covering hard-hitting stories. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Archer specializes in delivering timely and in-depth updates on a variety of topics, including crime news, politics, and national issues affecting the USA. His expertise and dedication to delivering accurate, impactful news make him a trusted voice for audiences seeking to stay informed on critical topics.
