Ramirez Bill to Expand Access to Homelessness Prevention Resources Signed into Law

SPRINFGIELD, Ill.  – A bill sponsored by state Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-Chicago, that seeks to reduce homelessness throughout Illinois recently became law.

“In the richest country in the world, it is unacceptable that people are left without the basic human necessity of reliable housing,” Ramirez said. “Housing is a human right, and Illinois must do better to ensure that those who are struggling to stabilize themselves are empowered to do so.”

Ramirez’s House Bill 3331 amends the Homelessness Prevention Act to expand access to grant assistance for families under the threat of homelessness. According to the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, in Illinois, an estimated 10,643 people are experiencing homelessness on a daily basis. Within the 2016-2017 school year, about 50,949 public school students experienced homelessness within the academic year in the state. Under Ramirez’s new law, families struggling to maintain housing will have access to grants to aid them in stabilizing their housing.

“While the ultra-wealthy thrive in an economy that penalizes working families, thousands of our neighbors do not have a place to call home,” Ramirez said. “I want to thank Governor Pritzker and all the advocates for their commitment to ending homelessness in Illinois. By expanding access to housing assistance, we are taking a critical step to achieving justice and equity.”