Why are so many people homeless?

Illinois Has a Critical Shortage of Affordable Housing
• More than 1.3 million households in Illinois pay more than 35% of their income for housing, leaving too little for other basic necessities. More than 722,000 households in Illinois pay more than half their income for housing.
• For every new affordable housing unit built, two are lost to demolition, conversion or abandonment.
• More than 26,000 households a year are homeless in state-funded shelters.

Illinois Under-Invests in Affordable Housing
• California spends three times more per capita
• Florida spends seven times more per capita
• Massachusetts spends ten times more per capita

Affordable Housing Belongs in the Capital Budget
• Affordable housing is a long-term asset that serves a public purpose.
• Affordable housing is part of our basic infrastructure – just like roads, bridges, and schools – on which businesses and communities depend.
• Housing construction and rehabilitation create good high-wage jobs around the state.

Other States Include Affordable Housing in Their Capital Budgets
• Massachusetts has recently included an average of $125 million a year for affordable housing in its capital budget. New York, California and Minnesota include capital budget funding for affordable housing as well.

Including $100 million for affordable housing in the Capital Budget Would Help Address Critical State Needs
• Rehab/Preserve Local Housing Stock. Statewide, more than 200,000 affordable rental units are at risk of loss. In just the next five years, approximately 39,000 subsidized multi-family units may be lost. Yet given current funding constraints, IHDA will be able to preserve less than 800 units this year.
• New Supportive Housing. Illinois could construct new supportive housing units, which provide permanent affordable housing with support services for those who have been homeless or have special needs.
• Affordable Housing Near Jobs. The lack of affordable housing in job-rich areas contributes to increased rates of absenteeism, worker turnover, and lost productivity. Business costs are being driven up as a result. Capital budget funding could create new housing near jobs and opportunity.