As high housing costs and rents continue to grip Illinoisans, state Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado, D-Chicago, fought to award $2 million to La Casa Norte to develop new housing through the Non-Congregate Shelter Acquisition Program for those experiencing homelessness.  In partnership with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the Chicago Department of Housing (DOH) will distribute $2 million to La Casa Norte to grow their shelter stock and improve community spaces and services through the city’s Non-Congregate Shelter Acquisition Program. This program acquires and converts property in the city to non-congregate housing for people experiencing homelessness.  Non-congregate shelters are based on a housing model that centers personal, private spaces for residents while they seek permanent housing options, as compared to congregate housing with large, open spaces with cots. Non-congregate models have shown to be more efficient at transiting those to permanent housing and improving physical and mental health outcomes. 

Photo Credit: Tom Harris