Delgado Highlights New Grant Funding for La Casa Norte Shelter Development Efforts

CHICAGO – As high housing costs and rents continue to grip Illinoisans, state Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado, D-Chicago, fought to award $2 million to La Casa Norte to develop new housing through the Non-Congregate Shelter Acquisition Program for those experiencing homelessness.

“Our state budget includes desperately needed funding and fiscal tools to reign in out-of-control housing costs. The funding La Casa Norte is receiving will further these efforts by supporting practices that are proven to transition those from shelters to permanent housing,” Delgado said. “While high costs affect every corner of our state, Chicago and our Northwest Side communities face unique challenges. This funding will address these challenges, strengthen our city and local partnerships and build a foundation for future action.”

In partnership with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the Chicago Department of Housing (DOH) will distribute $2 million to La Casa Norte to grow their shelter stock and improve community spaces and services through the city’s Non- Congregate Shelter Acquisition Program. This program acquires and converts property in the city to non-congregate housing for people experiencing homelessness.

Non-congregate shelters are based on a housing model that centers personal, private spaces for residents while they seek permanent housing options, as compared to congregate housing with large, open spaces with cots. Non-congregate models have shown to be more efficient at transiting those to permanent housing and improving physical and mental health outcomes.

“As Chairwoman of the Immigration & Human Rights Committee and Vice-Chairwoman of the Public Utilities Committee, I discuss and workshop how we address housing disparities everyday. We have a serious issue with housing affordability, and we can only overcome these challenges through partnerships with nonprofit organizations, local governments and advocacy groups. Being able to rent affordably and even buy your own home should not be luxuries, but attainable realities. The La Casa Norte funding is a step forward, but we have so much more to do to make a difference in people’s lives.”