About 100 youth experiencing homelessness, providers, and allies took to the Illinois governor's mansion April 5 to protest Gov. Bruce Rauner's refusal to release funding for housing services.
They pushed for Rauner to support HB 4955/SB 2603, legislation that releases millions from state funds earmarked for services that provide affordable housing and end homelessness.
"I traveled hundreds of miles to ask the governor why he thinks my future's not worth investing in," said Kevin Flint, 23, who rode on a bus from Chicago to get a hearing with the governor. "I want to move out on my own and become independent, but the Governor is harming the program that can help me do that."
Kevin ended up spending 18 months in adult prison for failing to register an address with parole for crimes he had committed 10 years before as a juvenile. When he got out, he was homeless, but ready to change his life. He found Neon Street Dorms, a state-funded homeless youth program which helped him get on his feet. During the last six months, Kevin's mother died and he was diagnosed with a serious heart condition which required surgery. Despite these difficulties, Neon Street has been able to support him in finding full time employment, getting back into school and saving money for an apartment, according to the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless.
"Our youth are doing their best to better their circumstances but because of the budget crisis their futures and the futures of the programs that assist them are in jeopardy. It is horrifying that the person elected to lead our state continues to stand by and allow this happen," said Jeri Linas, executive director of Teen Living Programs.
Due to the continued budget crisis Teen Living Program has had to make $300,000 in cuts to vital programming. The organization has also had to lay off staff. These cuts can change the circumstances of a youth's life trajectory; it can mean the difference between becoming successfully independent or their ultimate failure and lifelong dependency in and on the system, CCH said.
In February, 20 homeless youth and service providers met with the governor to discuss HB 4955/SB 2603. Days later, Rauner, through his policy director, told the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless he would not support the funding measure for housing services.
"Gov. Rauner refuses to explain why he, an individual with nine homes, will not support the release of funding for homeless services across the state, including funding for homeless youth," said Doug Schenkelberg, executive director of the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless. "We implore the governor to show leadership by reconsidering and supporting legislation that would immediately release funding to ensure these youth have a place to lay their heads at night."