Eye On Illinois: ‘Functional zero’ homelessness target moving wrong direction

As homelessness rises nationwide, rates are up 116% in Illinois – WCIA (Champaign)

While Chicago saw challenges with asylum seekers, the Illinois Shelter Alliance said there have been increases of 40-50 percent in downstate Illinois due to rising housing prices.

Eye On Illinois: ‘Functional zero’ homelessness target moving wrong direction

In proposing the fiscal 2026 budget, Pritzker suggested spending $7.6 million less on housing programs. Lawmakers actually cut $14.6 million. The Court-Based Rental Assistance Program, which helps people facing evictions, is down $25 million.