SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — State representatives passed a bill Friday to create safer and stronger communities by improving housing and support services for people returning home from prison.

Roughly 15,000 people leave Illinois prisons annually, but the vast majority of those Illinoisans are unable to find stable housing. Sponsors said that is due to inequities in the housing market and gaps in human services.

The Home for Good plan calls for rental subsidies and wraparound services for returning residents.

"70% of people going into IDOC, before they even go in, they either have unstable housing or they’re homeless," said Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford). "You can only imagine how it is when they come out."

The legislation could also create a Home for Good Institute to provide training and technical assistance to community-based organizations helping with reentry housing.

Republicans noted that the Illinois Housing Development Authority and Illinois Department of Human Services oppose the plan. However, West said the agencies only oppose the potential cost of the program which is not included in the bill.

Advocates hope to receive $50 million in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget to launch the program, but an appropriations bill has not been filed at this time. 

House Bill 624 passed out of the House on a 63-34 vote. It now heads to the Senate for further consideration.

"By creating a statewide strategy to better support people returning from prison, we can reduce homelessness, save taxpayer dollars and strengthen our economy," said Illinois Justice Project Director Ahmadou Dramé. "We thank Rep. Maurice West for his unwavering leadership on this issue and look forward to working alongside Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Waukegan) to secure passage in the Senate."

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