Save the AID Living Room: Help Keep Hope Open

I am brokenhearted to announce that due to a technical glitch, the AID Living Room in Aurora has not received funding to continue it’s good work. We will be closing the Living Room on June 30, 2026. There has been amazing support provided to persons experiencing a mental health crisis at any time of the day or night in the Aurora area over the past two and a half years by the dedicated AID Living Room Staff!


This will be a huge loss to the crisis system in the second largest city in the state of Illinois and to the citizens of our community. 

We aren’t done fighting for this vital community resource! Please contact the Governor’s Office (Springfield and Chicago), our local state legislators: Representatives Barbara Hernandez, Maura Hirschauer and Matt Hanson as well as Senators Karina Villa and Linda Holmes (phone numbers are below) and let them know that the 2nd largest city in Illinois can’t lose the AID Living Room from the crisis service system!

Lore Baker, AID President & CEO

 

The Living Room gave adults experiencing a mental health crisis a place to stabilize, connect with trained support staff, develop safety plans, and access additional resources, often helping individuals avoid hospitalization.


This service was available to everyone, regardless of insurance or ability to pay, but continued funding is needed to keep the Living Room open.

CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS!

Message when calling: 


Hello, my name is [NAME], and I am calling to ask [Governor Pritzker / Representative ___ / Senator ___] to help save the AID Living Room in Aurora.


Since opening in January 2024, the Living Room has served 1,210 people experiencing mental health crises, including nearly 300 referred by hospitals, law enforcement, and other community partners.


This year alone, the Living Room has served 506 people. More than 22% were referred by community partners, and only 2 individuals required hospitalization after receiving support—meaning over 99% were successfully helped in the least restrictive setting possible.


Aurora, the second-largest city in Illinois, cannot afford to lose this vital service. Please support continued funding for the AID Living Room and help keep its doors open.


Thank you for your time and for your commitment to the mental health and safety of our community.

 

State Representative
Barbara Hernandez:

District: (630) 270-1848


Repbarbarahernandez@gmail.com

 

State Representative
Maura Hirschauer:

District: (331) 465-9661


office@repmaura49.com

 

State Representative
Matt Hanson

District: (630) 425-3965


Info@RepMattHanson.com       

 

State Senator 
Karina Villa:

District: (630) 326-9319


Contact Senator Villa (online form)

 

State Senator
Linda Holmes

District: (630) 820-8650


Contact Senator Holmes (online form)

 

CONTACT THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE!

 

SPRINGFIELD OFFICE:

Phone: (217) 782-6830

Constituent Affairs Help Line

(217) 782-0244

CHICAGO OFFICE:

Phone: (312) 814-2121


gov.crm@illinois.gov

 

A few guest quotes from satisfaction surveys:

  • “You changed my life. And I’ll never forget it.”
  • “They were 10/10. I really did feel safe and secured. I was able to calm down.”
  • “Staff helped me talk through my situation practically and gave me steps to help.”
  • “You guys are calm and seriously helped me out.”
  • “Everyone was fantastic and really helped me sort though some things.”
  • “Beyond what I expected. Made me comfortable. I told them everything. I am a human being here.”
  • “They made me feel so loved and heard.”
  • “Thank you for all you do and providing this service. I’m grateful.”
  • “Super helpful. Helped me through many tears.”
  • “Very helpful. Very good at making someone feel comfortable and giving them access to plenty of resources. Very great listeners as well. I would recommend anyone in a crisis to come here.”

Please make your calls today and share this information with your peers, friends and neighbors so that they can take action as well! We can’t lose this vital service in Aurora! Our neighbors safety depends on it!

LinkedIn Share This Email
Equal Housing Opportunity, Handicapped Accessible, United Way Funded Agency, CARF certified, The Arc of Illinois members