SPRINGFIELD – To provide stability in the lives of children experiencing homelessness, State Senator Karina Villa advanced a measure that would expand access to emergency housing assistance for students and their families.
“As a former school social worker, I’ve seen first-hand how housing instability suppresses a student’s ability to learn,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “Children cannot be expected to focus on learning when they are worried about where they will sleep at night. Every child deserves a safe, stable place to live, and it’s our responsibility to close the gaps that leave too many families without support.”
House Bill 4137 would allow school districts to provide an extended motel stay for students that are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, providing families with critical support while they secure or maintain permanent housing.
Currently, school districts may provide families with rental or mortgage assistance and financial assistance for unpaid bills, loans or financial debts that result in a child and their family’s housing being inadequate.
“Across Illinois, families are feeling the pressure of rising rent and the growing cost of basic necessities,” Villa said. “We must respond with practical solutions that keep children safe and ensure working families can live with dignity.”
House Bill 4137 passed the Senate Education Committee on Tuesday.
