Jimenez Opens Up Resources for Organizations Combating Homelessness

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Lilian Jimenez, D-Chicago, passed a measure on Wednesday to open up state funds for homelessness advocacy organizations to handle case loads.

“On-the-ground organizations are in a bind: they want to help their homeless populations, but they don’t have the staff and administrative capacity to do so,” Jimenez said. “As more people face homelessness because of rising housing and everyday costs, the need for qualified staff ready to direct people to life sustaining resources is needed now more than ever. By making a simple change to the ratio of funds used for working through case files, hiring the necessary staff and increasing capacity, more people can get off the streets. These organizations know what they need, and it’s time Springfield empowers them to do the job the way they know how to do it.”

Jimenez championed House Bill 5564, which provides that grantee organizations receiving funds from the Homeless Prevention Act can use 20% of funds for administrative expenses and case management costs, as opposed to the prior 15%. House Bill 5564 is supported by the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, Housing Action Illinois and Illinois Municipal League.

House Bill 5564 passed out of the House on Wednesday, April 17.