CHICAGO— The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) will make $7.1 million in funding available to organizations providing support services and resources to communities hit hardest by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and State Senator Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) is encouraging interested organizations to apply immediately.

“COVID-19 has had an awful, disproportionate impact on minority communities. These communities that have been severely affected by the pandemic cannot afford to deal with an additional crisis,” Munoz said. “The funding opportunity will assist individuals and families who are in jeopardy of losing their homes, access to food or other needs due to the flexibility of the grant.”

The funding is provided through the U.S. Bureau of Justice Assistance Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program and will support communities that have been disproportionately impacted by the virus. Interested organizations are required to submit an application to ICJIA by July 24. Funds can be used for:

• Transitional and/or emergency housing and rental assistance for persons involved in the criminal justice system and those who have experienced violence.
• Supportive services for community members, including overall advocacy, case management, legal services, mental and emotional support, and clinical behavioral health services for adults and children.
• Rent, utilities and COVID-related supplies for community-based agency operations.
• Efforts to distribute food to local residents.
• Other needs resulting from the pandemic, as determined by communities.

Funding priorities were determined by an ICJIA ad hoc committee of criminal justice practitioners, policymakers, and community representatives. Community-level data on positive COVID cases, unemployment, housing, and reentry will be considered in funding decisions.

Additional information on the available funds and application process is available here. Proposals are due by 11:59 pm on Friday, July 24.