Homeless youth bring stories of budget impasse to Gov. Rauner’s neighbors

What:  Homeless youth who keep their belongings in backpacks when living on the street will greet neighbors outside a high-rise that houses one of Gov. Bruce Rauner’s luxury homes.

(This is the one he uses to store extra furniture.)

When:  Thursday, April 28 – 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m.

Where:  Outside 340 on the Park – 340 East Randolph Street, Chicago

Visuals:  25 backpacks displayed to represent the 25,000 homeless Illinois youth who face losing shelter, housing, and services due to the 10-month state budget impasse. Homeless youth available for interviews.

Our wealthy governor can afford nine luxury homes.

Meanwhile, more and more homeless youth across the state of Illinois face living on the street again as programs that shelter, house and counsel them keep cutting back or closing down.

Illinois has already collected millions of dollars earmarked for homeless and housing services. But because of the budget impasse, these funds sit untouched in state coffers. Waiting indefinitely to be paid for services given in the past year, dozens of youth programs have slashed staffing and cut programs. Some have closed completely.

Offering cups of coffee to neighbors and passersby Thursday, youth and youth service providers will urge the public to contact Gov. Rauner’s office to ask that he support legislation (HB4955/SB 2603) that would release funds already collected and earmarked to provide affordable housing and end homelessness.

MEDIA COVERAGE included: CBS Chicago/WBBM Newsradio

For More Information:
Niya Kelly, Policy Specialist
Office: (312) 641-4140
niya@chicagohomeless.org