Government Affairs

Help Protect Funding for Homeless Services

In just four weeks the Illinois General Assembly will be voting on a state budget for Fiscal Year 2027. Right now, the budget proposed by the Governor includes a $10 million cut to HOME Illinois. SHPA and partner organizations are calling for an increase of $88.5 million in funding for homeless services to ensure that providers can meet the needs of people experiencing homelessness in Illinois. To reverse the proposed cuts and fund homeless services at the levels we need, your representatives need to hear from you!

Click here to tell your legislator that we need to increase funding for HOME Illinois!

SOAR

Upcoming SOAR 101 Webinar

Do you want to get a better understanding of SOAR and how your agency can get involved?

Join our upcoming webinar happening May 19th from 10am- 11am.

REGISTER HERE

SOAR Support Call



Illinois SOAR Provider Support Calls These hour-long calls will be open to all SOAR-trained providers across the state. These sessions offer a dedicated space to ask questions and receive guidance on completing SOAR-assisted SSI/SSDI applications.

No registration needed!

Copy the link below to join the call on May 4th from 1:00 PM- 2:00 PM

JOIN HERE

Want to stay in the know for everything SOAR?

Sign up for SHPA’s SOAR Newsletter!

Do you have any SOAR outcomes from 2025- now?

(This link is only for SOAR caseworkers that are assisting clients with applying for SSI/SSDI)

All SOAR events within the upcoming months can be found on our website in the "Events" page and also in the "SOAR" page.

Supportive Housing Providers Association – Together, We Can Accomplish Anything.

Peer Leadership Development Program

The next Peer Leadership Development Workshop will be held in Chicago

on May 26, 27, & 28!

Our Peer Leadership Committee meets

every fourth Wednesday of the month at 4pm.

To join our Peer Leadership Development Program, please reach out to

Susan Day at s.day@shpa-il.org

Training & Technical Assistance Center

Upcoming Trainings:

A.C.E.'s Fostering Resilience in Adulthood

May 19, 2026, 10:00 AM -1:00 PM CDT

SHPA - Frontline staff Resource Connect:

New SNAP work requirements are now in effect in Illinois.

People experiencing homelessness may qualify for exemptions, please use the links below to view details and access resources.

Log into ABE.Illinois.gov → Manage My Case → Manage My SNAP Work Requirements → Check the exemption box  

Submit Form 2341 - Request for Exemption (Form 2341 in Spanish) by fax, mail, or in person at an IDHS office  

Call the IDHS Helpline: 1-800-843-6154 to request an exemption. Provider staff can complete Form 2340 - Unable to Work Determination (Form 2340 in Spanish) 

Links for additional information:

IDHS: SNAP Work Requirements & Exemptions

IDHS: SNAP Federal Impact Center



In Person Opportunities for Training and Networking:

2026 South Suburban Council on Homelessness 2026 Annual Retreat Navigating Pathways Together, Routes to Housing Stability.

Event Date: May 29, 2026, 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

Standards & Best Practices Committee Meeting - May 18th, at 11:30pm

Mark your calendars and stay engaged!

Fueling The Flame:

Pause, you are doing the work. Remember to give yourself the same grace you serve your clients with. You cannot pour from an empty cup, prioritize self-renewal.

Positive Affirmation:

“Today I choose to pace myself, honor my capacity, and remember that my well being is the foundation of my strength.”

Additional Resource Links:

Self-care | Active Minds

The Self-Care Wheel: Wellness Worksheets, Activities & PDF

How to Prepare for Stress Awareness Month?

For immediate support, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7. You can reach out by calling or texting 988 or by visiting 988lifeline.org

Thank you for your continued commitment to excellence in supportive housing. Let's keep the momentum going!

Warm regards,

Monique Williams

Illinois Coordinator/Training T/A Manager 

2026 Home Illinois Summit – “Rising with Resilience”

May 12–13, 2026 | Crowne Plaza, 3000 S Dirksen Pkwy, Springfield, Illinois

We’re excited to announce that registration is now open for the Home Illinois Summit 2026: “Rising with Resilience”.

Join housing leaders, service providers, advocates, policymakers, and partners from across Illinois for two days of connection, learning, and action. This year’s summit will focus on strengthening systems, sharing innovative practices, and building the collective resilience needed to prevent and end homelessness statewide.

What to Expect

• Inspiring keynote speakers and expert-led sessions
• Practical strategies grounded in resilience and equity
• Opportunities to connect with peers and partners across Illinois
• Tools and insights you can bring back to your community

Career Opportunities with Treatment Alternative for Safe Communities!

Social Service Trainee Opportunities with IDHS!

Adult Redeploy Illinois (ARI) Training, Technical Assistance and Development (TTAD) Notice of Funding Opportunity ARI TTAD NOFO # 2115-0426