Governor Quinn Announces Investment in La Casa Norte to Construct New Community Center

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced a $2 million investment in housing non-profit La Casa Norte for construction of a community center and shelter facility in Chicago's Humboldt Park neighborhood. Today's announcement is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to keep Illinois youth safe, create jobs and drive economic development in every part of the state.

"La Casa Norte welcomes those in need with open arms, and in return we must ensure they have the resources and space to continue their mission," Governor Quinn said. "The La Casa Norte community center and shelter will provide vital services for struggling youth and families and help get them back on their feet. Investing in a new community center will boost the local economy and create jobs but more importantly, make sure nobody is left out."

Humboldt Park's new facility will include housing and support services to address the needs of low-income families, and youth and families struggling with homelessness. The cornerstone of the new facility will be the Pierce House, which will be made up of 25 supportive housing units.

Among the center's services are a kitchen and food pantry, a health and wellness clinic, a youth drop-in center with anti-violence and youth programming, job readiness training and a digital media/computer lab. A community garden will provide access to fresh fruits and vegetables for on-site cooking demonstrations and community use. The center will be the first of its kind in the Midwest.

The project will create a total of 175 jobs, 125 during construction and 50 after construction is completed. The total project cost is $18 million and construction is expected to begin in early 2015.

La Casa Norte was established in 2002 to serve youth and families dealing with homelessness, and has served more than 20,000 homeless and at-risk individuals. It is the largest provider of services to homeless youth in Chicago and a strong advocate for Latino families confronting homelessness.

Governor Quinn is committed to ensuring everyone in Illinois has access to safe housing including youth, families and our state's veterans in need. Some of his recent efforts include doubling the capacity of the Salvation Army of Sangamon County homeless shelter, beginning construction on the WINGS Metro domestic shelter to help women and families suffering from domestic abuse and opening the new Hope Manor II in Chicago, one of the first large-scale housing developments in the nation designed to specifically address the needs of female veterans.