CHICAGO, Ill. – Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has issued another executive order. But he says this one will deal with the growing problem of homelessness.
The Governor says he’s establishing a task force on homelessness, hiring a chief, and is creating an advisory council.
“I’m directing my state agencies to come together with leaders in the [human services] sector to strengthen safety nets, support local solutions, and provide effective help for those dealing with the housing crisis,” said Pritzker.
A crisis, Pritzker says, made all the worse by the COVID-19 pandemic, and one that he says his administration tried to mitigate. Pritzker says what causes homelessness will also be addressed.
“That means not only addressing housing affordability and stability, but tackling the root causes that can disrupt it,” said Pritzker.
Pritzker says that includes things like substance abuse, mental health struggles, employment opportunities, veterans services, and others.
The state budget has $1.5 billion in it allocated for housing relief, including $70 million in American Rescue Plan money.
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