SPRINGFIELD – Senator Adriane Johnson was pleased the governor’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget proposal included increased funding to tackle the homelessness epidemic.

“Homelessness is an extensive issue in all corners of our state,” said Johnson (D- Buffalo Grove). “Home Illinois is a vital program that ensures people are able to receive housing support and increased job opportunities to further prevent homelessness.”

HOME Illinois – a program that began last year under the Department of Human Services – targets the prevention of homelessness, provides crisis response, expands housing support and increases job opportunities for the homeless. The governor proposed $400 million for the program to bring forth a variety of housing options and opportunities to the unhoused population.

Johnson has long fought to address homelessness, leading measures to create plans to decrease it and provide greater housing stability.

“Homelessness disparities are often exacerbated in underserved communities – particularly for Black and Brown residents,” said Johnson. “Homelessness frequently creates other obstacles, like unemployment and health issues. It is time we adequately fund programs to decrease homelessness and uplift this often forgotten community.”

Over the coming months Johnson will work with her colleagues to negotiate a budget that prioritizes accessible and affordable housing.