Statistics from Our Service Area

In recent years, state funding for social services has been slashed in order to reduce growing budget deficits in Illinois. Programs which provide basic services to the homeless, physically disabled, mentally ill, etc. are often first on the chopping block because those they serve, society's most vulnerable, don't have a voice come election time. Despite being given less and expected to serve more, social service organizations continue to carry out their mission, simply because it's the right thing to do, and our clients wouldn't have anywhere else to turn otherwise.

This year, a state budget has been proposed that would do catastrophic damage to the system as we know it. By focusing on short-term savings, the budget is mortgaging the state's future. Although there is no question that Illinois' finances need a serious overhaul, we can't afford to balance the budget on the backs of those who need help the most. Although a multitude of evidence-based studies and industry best practices show that supportive housing actually saves taxpayer dollars, the proposed budget is cutting the entire line item for this service ($12,000,000).

Take a look at the chart provided by Heartland Alliance to get an idea of what else is at risk in our service area, and be sure to let your elected officials know that you aren't willing to support a short-sighted policy that puts so many lives at risk.