Emanuel will restore 300 emergency shelter beds for Chicago homeless
Mayor Rahm Emanuel
(CHICAGO) – After the Illinois General Assembly this week restored approximately $2.3 million to the City of Chicago’s Emergency and Transitional Housing program, the city will restore funding to support 300 shelter beds at community based shelters, according to the city’s family services commissioner.
“With the winter season upon us, these funds will support critical services that will keep Chicagoans safe during extreme weather,” said Commissioner Evelyn Diaz, Chicago Department of Family & Support Services.
The funding will restore approximately 22 city positions, including the Emergency Services overnight team whose primarily function is to provide transportation to shelters. Additionally, the city will restore nearly $600,000 in funding for approximately 300 shelter beds within 18 community-based shelters.
“I applaud the Illinois General Assembly for restoring critical funding to the Emergency and Transitional Housing program that supports homeless services and shelters,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “I want to commend State Representative Sara Feigenholtz and State Senator Heather Steans for their leadership on this critical issue.”
Since November 15, the city has been providing limited overnight transportation services with funding made available by Emanuel.
The City is working closely with the Illinois Department of Human Services and will begin the process of recalling staff and restoring funds to community based organizations upon receipt of the grant award, according to Diaz.
