COOK COUNTY, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, the Housing Authority of Cook County, and the Cook County Justice Advisory Council announced that the county will be providing rental assistance and other support services to formerly incarcerated individuals as part of a $23 million investment into a re-entry program.
“The reentry period is a vital time to lay foundations for future safety and success,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle in a statement.
“Justice involved residents face challenges when they return home to their communities. Access to stable housing and supportive services are key in helping them successfully navigate challenges and achieve their goals."
The program will support individuals who have returned home to Cook County from prison in the last 24 months. Eligible individuals will be referred by a reentry case manager or a parole officer and will receive rental assistance via direct payments from HACC to their landlord.
The types of wraparound services that will be funded under the initiative are:
-Case Management Services including needs assessments, transition planning, connecting to and navigating services and support
-Legal Support including expungement, petitions and record sealing
-Housing Access Advocacy including assistance with finding housing, communicating with landlords and advocating for legal rights
- Employment Supports including job readiness training, job placement and entrepreneurship opportunities
-Healthcare Services including physical, mental and behavioral health services and substance abuse support
-Educational Supports including GED and literacy programs, certification programs and special education services
Related
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!