SPRINGFIELD, Ill.- State lawmakers want to make sure families aren’t kicked out of their homes if they can’t afford their rent or mortgage payment.
could establish a family homelessness prevention and assistance program. Rep. La Shawn Ford’s proposal could stabilize families in their existing homes. The Chicago native hopes to shorten the period of time families spend in emergency shelters. This plan could also assist families with securing affordable and accessible housing.
Mary Rosenberg, Senior Attorney with Access Living, explained this affects Illinoisans with disabilities most of all.
“Ability discrimination is rampant,� said Rosenberg. “It’s the number one protected class type of complaint with HR for many years now. So, added to that, the voucher discrimination which many people with disabilities rely on because of their low incomes � disproportionately low incomes � it becomes almost insurmountable to find affordable and accessible housing.�
The proposal also says the Department of Human Services must prevent extra burdens on these families applying for the assistance program. This measure advanced out of the Housing Committee on a partisan 14-8 vote following a 20-minute discussion. It now moves to the House floor for second reading.
