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Executive Order 2022-09

AMENDMENT TO EXECUTIVE ORDER 21 (2021) TO FIGHT HOMELESSNESS IN ILLINOIS

March 30, 2022

    WHEREAS, Executive Order 2021-21 established the Interagency Task Force on Homelessness (“Task Force”), the Community Advisory Council on Homelessness (“Advisory Council”), and the State Homelessness Chief (“Chief”); and,

    WHEREAS, the COVID-19 crisis created waves of economic instability which have affected Illinoisans most vulnerable to housing insecurity; and,

    WHEREAS, Illinois requires the strengthening of our State’s safety nets so that homelessness becomes an experience that is rare, brief, and non-recurring; and,

    WHEREAS, success in strengthening our State’s safety nets requires coordination of State efforts so that Illinoisans have access to resources that address homelessness holistically; and,

    WHEREAS, a plan to address homelessness must also take into account that those fleeing domestic violence situations and those who are victims of trafficking meet the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development definition of homelessness;

    THEREFORE, I, JB Pritzker, Governor of Illinois, by virtue of the executive authority vested in me by Article V of the Constitution of the State of Illinois, hereby further amend Executive Order 21 (2021) as follows:

  1. Amendments
    1. State Homelessness Chief: Section 3 of Executive Order 21 (2021) is amended as follows:

      2. A State Homelessness Chief (“Chief”) has been established, to be housed in the Illinois Department of Human Services (“IDHS”) and to report to the Secretary of IDHS. The Illinois Office to Prevent and End Homelessness (“Office”) is created to facilitate the implementation of a strategic plan and initiatives. The Chief shall lead the Office and the Office shall be housed in IDHS. The Chief shall chair the Task Force, co-chair the Community Advisory Council, lead the State’s comprehensive efforts to decrease homelessness and unnecessary institutionalization in Illinois, improve health and human services outcomes for people experiencing homelessness, and strengthen the safety nets that contribute to housing stability. The Chief shall serve as a policymaker and spokesperson on homelessness prevention, including coordinating the multi-agency effort through legislation, rules and budgets and communicating with the Illinois General Assembly, federal and local leaders on these critical issues.

    2. State Plan: Section 4.a. of Executive Order 21 (2021) is amended and revised as follows:

      3. Plan for and develop a State plan, to be delivered to the Governor and the General Assembly by June 1, 2022 March 30, 2022, to address    homelessness and unnecessary institutionalization with the goals of achieving functional zero homelessness, improving health and human      services outcomes for people experiencing homelessness, and strengthening the safety nets that contribute to housing stability.

    3. Community Advisory Council:  Section 7.a. of Executive Order 21 (2021) is amended and revised as follows:
      1. The Community Advisory Council shall consist of:
        1. The Chief will serve as a co-chair with another Community Advisory Council member, from the appointments below, to be appointed by the Governor.
        2. Three members with lived experience of homelessness and/or housing insecurity, which may include, but are not limited to the formerly incarcerated, veterans, and youth (16 to 25 years old).  Such members who are not otherwise compensated by employers to attend the Community Advisory Council shall receive compensation of $100 per meeting for each meeting attended and preparation for the same.
        3. Member representing people with disabilities.
        4. Two members from the philanthropic private funding sector.
        5. Member representing a statewide behavioral health advocacy organization.
        6. Member representing a statewide housing advocacy organization.
        7. A minimum of two members representing local Continuums of Care.
        8. A minimum of three members representing local units of government (municipal, county and/or township).
        9. Member representing the domestic violence community.
        10. Two at-large members, who may or may not meet the qualification requirements for the other appointees.
  2. Savings Clause

    3. Nothing in this Executive Order shall be construed to contravene any federal or State law or regulation. Nothing in this Executive Order shall affect or alter the existing statutory powers of any State agency or be construed as a reassignment or reorganization of any State agency.

  3. Prior Executive Orders

    4. This Executive Order supersedes any contrary provision of any other prior Executive Order.

  4. Severability Clause

    5. If any part of this Executive Order is found to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. The provisions of this Executive Order are severable.

  5. Effective Date

    6. The Executive Order shall take effect immediately upon its filing with the Secretary of State.

                                           

                                                   JB Pritzker, Governor

    Issued by Governor: March 30, 2022

    Filed with Secretary of State: March 30, 2022