SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin)  spearheaded a measure to create a program that will help people with serious mental illness or substance use disorders by enabling access to affordable housing and support services.

“The Housing is Recovery Pilot Program will help break the cycle of institutionalization for those struggling with mental health issues and addiction,” Castro said. “We need to ensure those most vulnerable have a roof over their head and the services they need.”

Often, people with a serious mental illness or substance use disorder lack affordable housing, causing increased institutionalization, incarceration or risk of death from an overdose. House Bill 449 would create the Housing is Recovery Pilot Program to help prevent people with a serious mental illness or people who are at high risk of overdose due to lack of support services from being institutionalized or dying.

The program would be under the Division of Mental Health of the Department of Human Services and would enable affordable housing through the use of a bridge rental subsidy combined with access to recovery support services or treatment.

“Thousands of people with mental illness or substance use disorders are at risk for unnecessary institutionalization, whether it be hospitalization or incarceration,” Castro said. “This legislation will provide those struggling with a way to get back on their feet without institutionalization.” 

HB 449 passed the Senate Wednesday.