CAIRO GRANT TO FIGHT HOMELESSNESS

CAIRO, Ill. -- The Cairo Women's Shelter will receive an emergency shelter grant for $52,500 to help combat area homelessness.

The Cairo group is one of 68 groups receiving grants, totaling more than $2.2 million, to provide emergency assistance to the homeless in communities throughout Illinois.

While the Illinois economy is healthy, some communities in the state still have to battle the tragedy of homelessness," said Gov. George H. Ryan, in announcing the grants.

"With our help, these organizations are able to offer emergency shelter often coupled with programs and services that guide the homeless back toward an independent place in society," said Ryan.

The grants are funded through the federal Emergency Shelter Grants Program administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs.

The grants are awarded to projects in communities outside Cook County that complement existing homeless services, and are based on clear need and demonstrate an immediate ability to utilize the grant.

"These organizations are our partners in providing services that are vital to the well-being of homeless individuals and families," said acting DCCA Director Pam McDonough. A highly competitive review of 80 applications resulted in the funding of the 68 projects.

"This grant is important to our program here," said Jeannine Woods, who has been involved in the shelter program 15 years at Cairo and has served as director of the shelter since 1991.

"There's a great need for the program, and the shelter emergence grant helps us with the homeless in our community," added Woods.

The Cairo Women's Shelter was founded in 1982.

The maximum grant is $75,000 and must be matched by an equal amount from other sources.

Two Carbondale groups -- Good Samaritan Ministries and the Women's Center Inc. also received grants. The ministries group received $32,722 and the women's center receives $17,400.

Another Southern Illinois group, Williamson County Family Crisis Center at Herrin, will receive $27,648.

An additional $999,999 -- $300,000 to the city of Chicago -- is being awarded to 60 not-for-profit organizations throughout the state for homeless prevention programs.

Allowable costs for homeless prevention includes rental assistance, utility assistance and other supportive services related to the prevention of homelessness.