PEORIA (25News Now) – The Illinois state government has started a two and a half year pilot program to help unhoused people find jobs.

In a press release, Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton said, “Too often, systemic inequities compound and force hardworking people into homelessness. Our communities have been asking for ways to uplift and protect each other; the Home Illinois Workforce Pilot Program is turning words into action.”

Most of the program’s money is going to organizations near Chicago, but a team of groups in Central Illinois have received $841,190 to support their work.

Career Link will be administering the grant, while United Way and Phoenix Community Development Services will work directly with unhoused people.

“It is a planning phase of up to six months, which is being initiated now, as we speak, and then followed by an 18-month implementation plan,” said Career Link Executive Director Steve Martin.

They plan to provide job training and support services that will help people overcome barriers to employment. Some of their ideas are rapid rehousing, job readiness training, and adult education, but the planning process just began.

The local groups hope to help around 60 people in Fulton, Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford Counties. Job industries for this program include food service, manufacturing, maintenance, and janitorial services.

“A lot of it’s just geared to what can we do to get this person moving in the right direction and then stable in that situation to move even further,” said Martin.

Funding for this program comes from the general funds in the state budget. The General Assembly set aside money for employment and economic grants in the 2024 budget.

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