ILLINOIS — The State of Illinois recognized several advocates and organizations for their outstanding efforts in housing justice and homelessness prevention at the third annual Home Illinois Summit, held in Rosemont.
The summit gathered leaders from across sectors — including individuals with lived expertise, service providers, philanthropies, and elected officials — all united under the Home Illinois plan, a statewide strategy led by the Illinois Office to Prevent and End Homelessness, as reported by Effingham Radio. The goal: to make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring through coordinated, trauma-informed care and housing strategies.
Lawmakers and Advocates Spotlighted
Among those honored:
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Senator Adriane Johnson (30th District) was praised for championing HB2831, which formally created the Illinois Office to Prevent and End Homelessness, a statewide interagency task force, and a community advisory council. Her legislative leadership laid the foundation for Illinois’ coordinated housing strategy.
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Liam Wheeler, Coordinator of the Central Illinois Continuum of Care, was recognized for advancing trauma-informed outreach and low-barrier approaches in a region spanning 11 counties. Wheeler, a person with lived expertise, has become a peer leader transforming how rural Illinois serves the unhoused.
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Willette Benford, a powerful voice in reentry housing justice, was honored for initiatives like the Women’s Dignity of Choice pilot. As Senior Advisor to First Lady MK Pritzker, Benford has led statewide reforms focused on housing access for formerly incarcerated women and families. Her past leadership as Chicago’s first Director of Reentry included launching the SPRINGFORWARD Pilot, benefiting 400 individuals with housing and workforce training.
Organizational Leaders Driving Change
Several institutions were also recognized for groundbreaking efforts:
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Yost Management Services and Illinois Affordable Housing, NFP, based in Charleston, have developed over 485 units across Central Illinois. Their latest project, The Commons of Mattoon, offers permanent supportive housing for 25 households that previously experienced homelessness — funded by IHDA’s PSH Program.
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Trilogy Behavioral Healthcare was commended for taking over the Pathways Program in Uptown’s Leland Building, a site providing low-barrier housing and behavioral health support. The transition ensured stability for vulnerable Chicago residents, continuing the legacy of Heartland Alliance.
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Heartland HOUSED in Springfield became the first Continuum in Illinois certified for data quality by Community Solutions. The group also improved services for veterans through a 100-Day Challenge, landlord risk mitigation funds, and enhanced coordination with local providers.
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The City of Elgin was honored for its response to a series of encampment fires. Through the State’s Unsheltered Pilot Program, Elgin provided hotel-based housing with trauma-informed care, prioritizing dignity and safety. The city also expanded outreach and created a dedicated staff role to support long-term homelessness solutions.
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