CHICAGO — The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) announced more than $2 million in awards to Southside organizations that provide support to communities most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic Monday, and State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) is hopeful about the opportunities the new funding will provide.
“Facing the pandemic is hard enough no matter who you are,” Hunter said. “But when you are trying to re-enter society under these conditions, life can be unbearable. That is why I’m glad that these organizations exist to help ease the reentry process and provide those who were formally incarcerated with housing and other resources they need to stay afloat.”
Funding priorities were determined by an ICJIA ad hoc committee of criminal justice practitioners, policymakers, and community representatives. Grants were awarded to organizations in geographic areas where residents have been disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Community-level data on positive COVID cases, unemployment, housing and reentry was considered in funding decisions.
ICJIA awarded grants to the following recipients, (including two in the 3rd State Senate District):
| Agency | Award |
| Children's Advocacy Center of Illinois | $904,575 |
| Cook County Sheriff's Office (reentry housing) | $458,198 |
| Illinois Association of Court Appointed Special Advocates | $886,595 |
Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence |
$951,820 |
| Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault | $1,017,272 |
| Lake County Crisis Center DBA A Safe Place | $1,042,358 |
| Monroe Foundation | $398,211 |
| Roseland Community Hospital Association | $474,136 |
The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence |
$1,478,439 |
| Urban Growers Collective | $165,930 |
| Wayside Cross Ministries | $284,717 |
Total |
$8,062,251 |
For more information about ICJIA and its dedication to criminal justice work, research and analysis, policy, visit www.icjia.state.il.us.