HB 5737

Creates the Home for Good Act. Provides that the Home for Good Program is created as a statewide coordinated program designed to provide housing and services to persons released from an Illinois Department of Corrections facility on or after January 1, 2027 (targeted population). Provides that, beginning January 1, 2027, the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) shall be responsible for providing appropriate resources to potential applicants to acquire, develop, and rehabilitate permanent affordable housing units and transitional housing units that are designated exclusively for the targeted population. Provides that the granting and application process shall follow the existing program model of the Housing for Justice Involved Individuals Program. Requires IHDA to be responsible for providing site-based rental housing subsidies to community-based organizations who work with the targeted population. Requires the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA), beginning January 1, 2027, to provide appropriate resources to community-based organizations who work with the targeted population. Provides that such resources shall be used to provide case management and reentry navigation services to Program participants; and to make supportive services available to Program participants. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2027, the Executive Director of ICJIA shall ensure that regional networks of participating community-based organizations and housing providers are established to collaborate and provide services and housing to the targeted population. Contains provisions requiring a housing needs assessment tool be administered to all individuals who are exiting Illinois Department of Corrections custody; that on January 1, 2027, or as soon thereafter as reasonably possible, the Executive Director of IHDA create a Home for Good Institute to provide training and technical assistance to community-based organizations who intend to acquire, develop, rehabilitate, or operate permanent and transitional housing units for the targeted population; the establishment of the Interagency Reentry Workgroup; the establishment of the Home for Good Advisory Committee; reporting requirements; rulemaking authority to implement the Act; and other matters. Effective immediately.