Cook County is putting out the call for organizations that provide housing support and wraparound services to residents struggling with housing insecurity, officials said Thursday. Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Board President, along with the Cook County Justice Advisory Council (JAC) has issued a request for qualifications seeking community-based organizations ready to tackle the burgeoning issue of housing access, especially for those entangled with the criminal justice system. In a move to knit a safety net for the marginalized, this initiative aims to cushion the blow of recidivism and community violence by unlocking doors to stable living conditions.
With nearly 40% of ex-offenders in Illinois bouncing back to prison within three years, the link between housing stability and re-offense is crystal clear. Facing a formidable task, Cook County is ramping up its efforts as Avik Das, Executive Director of the JAC, emphasized in an interview, "Safe, stable housing is key to helping residents avoid contact with our justice system and live safe healthy lives." However, 60% of Chicago's unsheltered population carries the weight of a past criminal record, complicating their plight in the quest for a roof over their heads.
The HSWS initiative, according to Cook County's announcement, is more than just a housing program. It's a holistic model where selected nonprofits blend the shelter with ancillary services such as case management, legal aid, employment, healthcare, and educational support. These components are considered the scaffold that can carry a person from mere existence within four walls to a life constructed with purpose and contribution to society.
A virtual information session will outline the road map for the qualification process and application steps on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at 1:00 pm, details of which are found on their website. Organizations with a 501c3 or 501c4 standing now have till Monday, July 1, 2024, at 5:00 pm to throw their hat into the ring and respond to the RFQ, as published on the Justice Advisory Council’s Grants website starting June 3, 2024. Nikki Muñoz, Reentry Services Manager for the JAC, shared with reporters, "Working with community, we continuously hear about the barriers to finding stable housing options for justice involved residents and those with a criminal record."
As Cook County forges ahead, bridging gaps in housing for its residents, more information on their policy priorities and burgeoning housing projects is readily accessible in the recently published Cook County Housing Policy Brief.
