Governor Quinn Announces Investment to Combat Homelessness Among Veterans

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn today announced a $1.2 million investment in The Salvation Army of Sangamon County for a major project that will double the shelter's capacity to help veterans in need. Today's announcement is part of Governor Quinn's agenda protect and improve the health of the people of Illinois.

"The men and women who have fought for our country should not have to face another battle to find a home of their own," Governor Quinn said. "We need to make sure our servicemembers have the comforts of home they deserve. An investment in Springfield's Salvation Army shelter will create additional space and offer more helping hands when our heroes need it most. That's the spirit of Illinois, and it's a tradition of service we have learned from those who have answered the call to duty."

The $1.2 million investment from Governor Quinn's Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction program will complete phase one of The Salvation Army's $6.8 million, three-phase renovation of the recently acquired property at Ninth and Jefferson Streets in downtown Springfield. The 60,000-square-foot former office building will increase the shelter's capacity from 36 to 72 beds. The new facility will also allow The Salvation Army to expand its assistance programs, including veterans services, medical services, a food pantry, larger kitchen and dining room, classrooms and a computer lab where residents can receive job training.

"For more than 125 years, The Salvation Army has been serving the needs of the less fortunate within our community and sharing with them that they are loved by God and not forgotten nor left behind," Major Steven Woodard of the Salvation Army said. "The Salvation Army has consistently met its pledge of ‘Doing the Most Good' thanks to the tremendous generosity of this community. This support from Governor Quinn provides a hope to this community that will last for a long time."

"The Salvation Army does Springfield a great service by helping the homeless with a wide range of services, including emergency shelter, work training, education and counseling," Springfield Mayor Mike Houston said. "We are very excited that Governor Quinn's investment will allow The Salvation Army to continue and expand this most important work."

"We are grateful to Governor Quinn for his leadership on the toughest of issues facing our veteran community - that of veteran homelessness," Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) Acting Director Rodrigo Garcia said. "While we've made impressive strides in ending veteran homelessness in Illinois by working with non-profit partners such as The Salvation Army and other agencies, there is still more to do. For those who've given so much, we owe them that opportunity to succeed and thrive and this a great step forward."

Under Governor Quinn's leadership, the IDVA has expanded efforts and outreach to help end veteran homelessness. The IDVA-run Prince Home at Manteno is a program for veterans with disabilities and veterans who are homeless that equips them to achieve individual growth and independence. Illinois Joining Forces, established in 2012 with the Governor's support and leadership, has a working group focused on veteran housing and homelessness issues. In addition, IDVA service officers across the state work with veterans and their families to secure disability benefits, aid and attendance support, and other compensation earned through service to help veterans stay in their homes after service.