With homelessness increasing in Illinois, a coalition of shelter providers and advocates is calling for a $100 million increase in state funding to prevent homelessness and provide shelter to people without homes.
Advocates hope the new funding can build on lessons the state learned since the start of the pandemic in opening new shelters and accommodations that better meet the needs of people experiencing homelessness.
The coalition known as the Illinois Shelter Alliance sent a letter to Gov. JB Pritzker in December, making the request ahead of the new General Assembly’s January inauguration. But finding new state money for any programs will be a tough sell in Springfield this year, with the state facing a $3.2 billion shortfall for the fiscal year that begins in July…