Ford Secures Funding for Flooding Assistance, Urges Austin Nonprofits to Apply for State Dollars

CHICAGO – In response to the significant flooding Chicago’s West Side faced earlier this summer, state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, has worked with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to open up a $1 million grant opportunity for nonprofits offering assistance to area residents dealing with damage to their property.

“A lot of homeowners are still grappling with the effects of this year’s storms, and federal assistance is not enough,” Ford said. “This grant will help deliver needed state resources into our community, and I’m encouraging qualified nonprofit organizations to apply.”

DCEO is accepting applications for the $1 million grant until Oct. 27. A single award will be given to an eligible non-profit organization headquartered in the Austin community of Chicago, that provides healthcare services, community re-entry programs, employment services, housing support services and community-based youth services.

The chosen applicant will act as administrator and identify up to 100 owner-occupied buildings and fund bond-eligible expenses of up to $25,000 at each location. Capital improvement costs covered by a homeowner’s insurance policy will not be eligible. Owner-occupied properties must be located within Ford’s 8th House Legislative District.

Additional information on the grant is available at https://gata.illinois.gov/grants/csfa.html?page=Opportunity.aspx&nofo=2627. 

“I am appreciative of all the organizations and volunteers who have stepped up to help their neighbors,” Ford said. “This funding will be a boost to recovery efforts, and I’m looking forward to seeing these resources in the community soon.”

For more information, please contact RepFord@LaShawnFord.com.