Jones Introduces Bill to Help Homeless Shelters

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Thaddeus Jones, D-Calumet City, has introduced legislation to provide additional funding to homeless shelters.

“In a time when human services and public aid are under attack by both the president and the governor, it is important that we find ways to reinvest in our communities and help those less fortunate,” Jones said. “It is especially crucial that we find ways to shelter the homeless during these bitterly cold Illinois winter.”

Jones’ legislation, House Bill 4204, directs the Illinois Department of Lottery to offer a special instant-scratch game from which all proceeds would be deposited into the Homeless Shelter Revenue Fund. Through the fund, the Department of Human Services would issue grants to homeless shelters across the state. In 2016, a similar special instant scratch off benefitting particular causes raised $600,000 for the Special Olympics and $500,000 for cancer research.

“Similar games have yielded great results for honorable and necessary causes,” Jones said. “It is my hope that with this bill we will be able to lend some help to one of the most marginalized groups in our society.”