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Continuum of CareResources and Updates
Home for All Continuum of Care
April 2021
A Note from the Director
The Power of Collaboration
Spring is finally here. Vaccinations are becoming more accessible throughout our community. And while there is still much to do to help connect individuals and families who are at-risk or literally homeless to resources now and over the coming months, we all have a bit more reason to be optimistic and hopeful these days. Cheers to seeing some light at the end of the tunnel.
Happy Spring!
Kate
May General Membership Meeting is Canceled!
Due to a mandatory all grantee meeting hosted by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the May General Membership meeting has been canceled.
Illinois Rental Payment Program
The Illinois Rental Payment Program (ILRPP) will open later in May. This Program will provide up to $25,000 in emergency rental assistance for eligible households. Eligibility requirements and details about the program can be found here. Applications will be available at ilrpp.ihda.org. Questions should be directed to questions.ilrpp@ihda.org or 866-454-3571.
As additional information is published about this program, it will be sent out to the Continuum!
Need Housing or Utility Assistance? Call 2-1-1!
A group of agencies and organizations have been meeting to plan for the lift of the eviction moratorium. While the situation continues to shift in light of the extensions of the moratorium and new resources available, it is important that we begin to spread the word about how to access resources in order to remain stably housed. Our local information and referral experts at 2-1-1 are staying on top of the latest information regarding local and state-wide assistance programs. Please direct clients in need to 2-1-1 or 309-999-4029 to learn more about what help is available.
Advocacy Opportunity: COVID-19 Emergency Housing Act
Please see the information below from Housing Action Illinois:
After many months of work, we are glad to let you know that House Bill 2877, the COVID-19 Emergency Housing Act, passed the Senate on April 29, 2021 by a vote of 39-13. The bill now goes to Governor Pritzker for his consideration.
HB 2877 creates rules for distribution of federal emergency rent assistance and foreclosure prevention resources for homeowners and “mom and pop” owners of small residential rental properties. The bill also creates automatic and mandatory eviction sealing provisions in state law, both for cases filed during the pandemic and older cases. Finally, the bill restricts tenant screening companies from reporting on sealed eviction court records and establishes penalties for companies that violate the law. At a time when so many have not been able to pay the rent through no fault of their own, the eviction sealing provisions will keep the mere filing of an eviction case from being an obstacle to a person finding housing in the future.
As the provisions of HB 2877 are time sensitive, we are asking Governor Pritzker to sign the bill as soon as possible. We’ve drafted a sign-on letter asking Governor Pritzker to sign HB 2877 into law. You can read the letter here. The deadline to sign the letter is Monday, May 3 at noon.
State of Illinois Utility Disconnection Avoidance Program
The State of Illinois Utility Disconnection Avoidance Program (UDAP) aims to help a large share of eligible households that are on a utility’s shut-off list by providing a one-time credit to clear their arrearage amount between $250 and $5,000 to prevent shut-off. New customers who have not received state energy assistance previously and who are in threat of imminent disconnection should reach out to their local LIHEAP administrator which can be found at www.helpillinoisfamilies.com. All customers who are on a utility’s disconnection list who received LIHEAP between July 27, 2020 and May 31, 2021 will receive this assistance. More information is included here.
Free Personal Finance Classes
Join Illinois Extension Consumer Economics educator Camaya Wallace Bechard and learn ways to reexamine your finances. This new mini financial education webinar series will focus on creating spending plans, building emergency savings, and practical strategies for managing credit. For more information, please complete the registration below. This series is made possible by the Community Foundation of Central Illinois.
May 25 | Create Spending Plan/Budgets
June 22 | Build Emergency Savings
July 20 | Manage Credit
More information can be found here. All webinars start at 6 PM CDT. If you have further questions about the series – contact extension staff by calling: 309-663-8306.
DCFS Assistance for Youth after 21
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services has good news regarding housing, healthcare, and financial assistance for youth in case after they turn 21. Until further notice, youth beyond the age of 21 can remain in their current placement or return to DCFS care, with no reduction of financial or healthcare benefits, during the COVID-19 pandemic. More information can be found here.
Questions? Contact the DCFS caseworker or call the Youth Hotline at 866-459-6884 or visit www2.illinois.gov/DCFS.
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