news and Updates from the CoC

Home for All Continuum of Care
February 8, 2021

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A Note from the Director
The Power of Collaboration

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Collaboration is the foundation of the Continuum of Care. We find our strength in working across agencies and across missions to meet the needs of those experiencing homelessness. This principle has been a guiding light throughout the pandemic. We have been fortunate to grow our table of stakeholders to adapt to the challenges brought forth by COVID-19.
 
A terrific example of this multi-stakeholder approach is the recent involvement of Advanced Medical Transport (AMT) in several COVID-related initiatives within our shelter programs. From the rapid development of shelter-wide testing to vaccination events, AMT has answered the call with a focus on the wellbeing of the clients we serve. Special thanks go out to AMT!
 
While we are all ready for the worst to be behind us, there have been many incredible achievements brought forth by the pandemic that showcase the power of our network. Thanks to each of you and your agencies for the role you play in striving toward the end of homelessness across our region.
 
Speaking of our network — the Continuum’s annual meeting is coming up on February 9. The agenda is forthcoming. Please forward it to any organizations or individuals you think should learn more about the Continuum and join our effort!
 
Best,
Kate

HUD Renews Funding for Thousands of Local Homeless Programs

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development announced on January 29, 2021, the renewal of support to thousands of local homeless assistance programs across the nation. HUD's Continuum of Care grants support over 6,500 local programs. $2.5 billion in funding was approved through this announcement, including local permanent supportive housing programs with Dream Center Peoria, Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois, Peoria Opportunities Foundation, Phoenix Community Development Services, and The Center for Prevention of Abuse. These funds are traditionally awarded through a competitive Notice of Funding Availability process. Due to the pandemic, Congress approved a renewal process in order for local communities to focus on the response to COVID-19.

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CDC Extends Eviction Moratorium

On Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) formally issued an extension of the federal moratorium on evictions for nonpayment of rent through March 31, 2021. This fact sheet, issued by the White House, provides additional details about the Executive Actions taken by the Biden Administration as part of the federal response to the pandemic. The order for the extension of the moratorium can be found here.

View Fact Sheet
Additional Information

City of Peoria Consolidated Plan Comment Period

Prairie State Legal Services (PSLS) is hosting a weekly Facebook Live event to address general questions related to evictions in Illinois. The series occurs each Thursday through February 25. Attorneys from PSLS will discuss the general process of eviction, the current eviction moratorium, rental assistance and more. The event takes place from 12:00 - 12:30 PM and can be accessed at

www.facebook.com/prairiestatelegalservices

Madison Apartments II: New Dedicated Units for the Continuum

Phoenix Community Development Services (Phoenix CDS) officially closed with IHDA on Madison Apartments II, a 24-unit supportive housing development, to be located at 210 NE Madison Avenue. The $5.7 million funding is from the State of Illinois Housing Trust Fund (funded by the real estate transfer tax on all real estate transactions), the National Housing Trust Fund, and Illinois Affordable Housing Tax Credits (IAFTC). This project has been in the works since July 2018. Phoenix CDS will begin site work and demolition on the property next week and hope to begin occupancy in October 2021! Once ready to occupy, 18 of the 24 units will be supported through a rental subsidy from the Peoria Housing Authority for 15 years with a renewal option. These 18 units are dedicated to the population experiencing homelessness served by the Continuum.
 
Sending thanks to the team at Phoenix Community Development Services for working to grow the resources accessible to those we serve!

 

State of Illinois Charitable Trust Grants

 

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs has announced the next round of Charitable Trust grant applications for non-profits are now available. These grants for the Spring 2021 grant cycle will focus on three categories of non-profits: food programs, housing programs, and workforce & economic development. Charitable Trust grants are intended to help small non-profits with an annual budget of $1 million or less. Grant applications located in any area where pervasive poverty, unemployment, and economic distress exist will be given special attention.

Grant applications will be accepted through March 31.

More information on the grant application, history of the program, and who to contact if you have additional questions can be found here: Illinois Treasurer Office

 

 

Illinois Public Health Institute Funding Opportunity

 

The Illinois Public Health Institute is pleased to announce a funding opportunity for Illinois transitional and supportive housing organizations to increase access to healthy food and beverage options by adopting and implementing tailored nutrition guidance. Selected organizations will receive $4,000 – $6,000 each to support their participation. Awardees will also receive 20 or more hours of individualized technical assistance and participation in a training and networking community.

The award runs from March 2021 through March 2022 and is made possible with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Transitional and supportive housing organizations that serve food have a valuable opportunity to lead by example and improve the health of their residents. To learn more and apply, please review and complete the attached request for applications. Please email any questions and the completed application to Kathryn.Bernstein@iphionline.org with the subject line “Nutrition Guidelines in Housing Application.” Applications are due by Friday, February 26th at 5:00 pm CST.

More information about the opportunity can be found here: More Info on Opportunity

 

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