Executive Summary
The Homeless Shelter Program is a proposal intended to provide housing units. The overall objective is to see to it that ordinary citizens of Illinois who find themselves unable to afford basic amenities such as housing can find reprieve. Although welfare services fall within the province of government, it also remains the concern of all citizens that poor and less able citizens are given assistance especially in relation to the availability of basic services. The housing menace in Illinois needs a swift yet efficient resolution and this proposal, indeed, intends to address this critical issue.
Statement of Need
The State of Illinois is composed largely of middle income earners. This class of people can afford basic amenities and services such as food, clothing and shelter. However, over the past decades, the population of the lower class has been on the increase. This class of people wallow in poverty and can hardly afford decent basic amenities such as food, shelter and clothing. It is on this premise that the Homeless Shelter Program is being initiated. The overriding objective is to ensure all citizens in the State of Illinois have decent housing facilities to keep warm when it is too cold and cool when it is too hot.
Resolution Methodology (Goals and Objectives)
This noble program intends to avail housing units within the State of Illinois. The primary targets of this program are the lower class citizens who typically lack basic amenities. It is premised on the fact that basic amenities are generally inalienable to all human beings and fall within the constitutional human rights of dignified lives and the right to basic amenities.
Stakeholder Identification
The program would involve the community, the State Department of Social Services, Human Rights Organizations under the auspices of the Illinois Red Cross, the business community (sponsors), among other interested and relevant groups. It is imperative to note that the most important stakeholder is the citizen falling within the category of the homeless.
Supporting Documentation/ Credentials
The population of Illinois as at 2012 estimates stood at 12,875,255 people. The state is largely cosmopolitan with citizens drawn from the following communities: White, Black, Asian, Native American Indian, Alaska Native, Hispanic and Latino. As at 2011, Illinois had only 5,297,318 housing units. The per capita income for the 12 months ending December 2011 was $ 29,376 while 13.1% of the population as at 2012 were ranked below the poverty level. These glaring statistics indicate an economic deficit which ought and should be addressed. Indeed, housing remains a key issue. Although the number of homeless citizens cannot be ascertained due to the scanty nature of housing statistics, the above statistics give indication of a looming problem that needs to be addressed. In that strain, this program is well timed and intended to better the life of the common citizen in the State of Illinois. In addition to improving living standards, the program is in consonance with the American philosophy of service to mankind and government role of ensuring the citizen’s general welfare.
This organization is a well reputed organization whose aim is to discharge community services to the citizenry. It is not a profit making organization. For accountability and transparency purposes, we avail our statement of accounts to any citizen who may so require them. Comments and participation in any manner is welcome and would be highly appreciated.
References
Bartholomew, C. (2008). Census of Population and Housing (1990):Illinois Population and Housing Counts. Chicago: DIANE Publishing.
Jerome, K. B. (2011). Illinois:What's So Great About This State? Chicago: Arcadia Publishing.
Joseph, L. B. (2006). Families, Poverty, and Welfare Reform:Confronting a New Policy Era. Chicago: University of Illinois Press.
Merkley, R. J. (2009). Describing Human Resource Development in Illinois Social Service Organizations. New York: ProQuest.
The Division. (2008). Illinois Statistics. Chicago: The Division.
United States Census Bureau. (2012, August 23). Illinois. Retrieved February 10, 2013, from United States Census Bureau: http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/17000.html
