Chicago Construction News staff writer
A total of $5 million has been announced for the Home Illinois Workforce Pilot Program. This program is a partnership between DCEO, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and the Illinois Interagency Task Force on Homelessness to Prevent and End Homelessness and is an extension of the Illinois Job Training and Economic Development Program (JTED). Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process.
DCEO will hold a webinar from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. on March 26. Interested parties are also encouraged to reach out to CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov for application assistance.
“We know that meaningful employment can lead to financial and housing stability,” Gov. JB Pritzker said in a statement. “That’s why the Home Illinois Workforce Pilot Program is seeking to prevent and end homelessness by helping our most vulnerable residents become career ready.”
The goal is to support individuals experiencing homelessness by improving employment opportunities, helping them establish financial stability and improving their ability to afford permanent housing in their community.
Eligible applicants must be the lead entity of the Continuum of Care (COC) organizations, or Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) administrative entities that have demonstrated expertise and effectiveness in administering workforce development programs [20 ILCS 605/605-415(b)]. The program will be implemented in areas throughout the state that connect people who are experiencing homelessness to employment and that demonstrate systemic coordination of the homeless response system and workforce system.
Eligible entities can apply for grants up to $2 million. Applications will be accepted until May 3, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. To view the NOFO and apply for the grant, please visit the DCEO website.
“IDHS is excited to partner with DCEO and JTED to bolster efforts connecting people experiencing homelessness to employment opportunities – setting them on the path to financial independence,” said Dulce M. Quintero, IDHS Secretary Designate. “This new program builds upon the critical resources that IDHS and our Illinois Office to Prevent and End Homelessness provide to enhance the lives of all the Illinois residents we serve.”
The Illinois Job Training and Economic Development (JTED) Grant Program is funded by the State of Illinois General Revenue Funds appropriated by the General Assembly in the State Fiscal Year 2024 budget. The requirements of the program follow 20 ILCS 605/605-415 (JTED Act) and the rules adopted in support of the JTED Act, 56 Ill. Admin. Code Part 2660 (JTED Rules).
