Chicago, IL On Wednesday, legislators, service providers, advocates, and community members including homeless youth will rally downtown at the Thompson Center. They will call on Gov. Bruce Rauner to work with the General Assembly to choose revenue instead of endangering homeless youth.
[NOTE: According to the Williams Institute, an estimated 40% of the homeless youth served by agencies identify as LGBT.]
It has been more than 80 days since services for homeless youth received any state funding. CCH helped conduct a survey that shows 77% of homeless youth providers in Illinois have already reduced or eliminated services or will be forced to make those cutbacks if the budget impasse continues.
The state's failure to fund vital services, including childcare, mental health, adult and higher education, economic development, and immigration and refugees, also harms homeless youth. If Springfield fails to pass a budget that chooses revenue, more closures will occur and homeless youth will lose shelter and basic human services.
Studies show that unsheltered youth are much more likely to be raped, sexually exploited, physically assaulted, and to go without needed health care.
State legislators including State Rep. Greg Harris and State Rep. Will Guzzardi will join providers in calling for an immediate end to the budget crisis.
WHAT: Rally to reverse cuts that are putting homeless youth in danger by choosing revenue and ending Illinois' budget crisis.
WHEN: Wednesday, September 23, 2015 - 10 a.m.
WHERE: Thompson Center Plaza, 100 W. Randolph St., Chicago
WHO: Chicago Coalition for the Homeless and Youth Committee members: Unity Parenting and Counseling Center, Teen Living Programs, Neon Street Dorms, Broadway Youth Center, and The Night Ministry