Governor Pritzker Surprises Illinois With Big Announcement

Illinois is launching a new campaign to reduce homelessness in the state...

Photo byPhoto via The White House

Governor Pritzker recently announced a multi-year campaign to reach "functional zero" homelessness in the state of Illinois.

"We must continue working together to find solutions to ensure that every Illinoisan has access to essential housing and support," said Governor JB Pritzker. "This is a first-of-its-kind multi-agency endeavor — bringing together state agencies, nonprofit organizations, advocates, and people with lived experience to take an intergovernmental approach to preventing and ending homelessness. I'm grateful for their dedication and believe that together, we can prevent and end homelessness once and for all."

The Pritzker administration has taken significant steps to address homelessness in Illinois since the formation of the Interagency Task Force by executive order. The Home Illinois plan expands affordable housing options, focuses on people in high-risk situations (such as homeless college students and those leaving medical care), and offers comprehensive support to people who are homeless.

"Governor Pritzker has shepherded an unprecedented level of interdepartmental cooperation to develop a completely new, radical approach to reaching ‘functional zero' in Illinois," said Deputy Governor Sol Flores. "The summit is an opportunity to come together and hear from the lived experiences of those who have experienced homelessness, and that perspective and the equity it centers is invaluable in this work."

"Homelessness is not only an issue of housing justice, but one of racial justice, public safety, mental health and economics," said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. "In fact, it is the intersection where many of these issues come together, so I am grateful for the partnership of Governor JB Pritzker and the resources his administration has provided to ensure that housing remains a human right, and we protect our all of our unhoused children, families and communities."

"I applaud Governor Pritzker for his leadership and commitment in combatting homelessness. Today's summit is just one part of our ongoing efforts to address homelessness in the state," said Grace B. Hou from the Illinois Department of Human Services. "Through the Home Illinois initiative and other programs, we are working alongside the Governor and our partners to ensure that every person in Illinois has access to safe and affordable housing. With continued commitment and collaboration, we can make significant progress in reducing homelessness and increasing access to housing for all Illinoisans."

What do you think? Leave a comment with your thoughts. And if you think more people should read this article, share it on social media.