By WMBD-TV
CENTRAL ILLINOIS – Some experiencing homelessness in Central Illinois will be given the opportunity for a new chance at success.
A 30-month program is being launched through Career Link to provide job training opportunities to the homeless in the North Central region of Illinois.
Governor J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (IDCEO) awarded a grant worth over $6 million to four recipients.
Over $800,000 of that money will go towards the Central Illinois area through the Home For All Continuum and the Phoenix House.
Steve Martin, Executive Director of Career Link, the administrator of the program, says the new opportunities have a greater meaning.
“They should see it as an opportunity to finally get into the crust of the problem of helping the homeless in some way, shape or form in a positive manner,” said Martin.
Martin also shared what kind of jobs will be provided through the program.
“We’re looking to hopefully serve at least 60 individuals with this grant,” Martin said. “And that would include things like food service, maintenance, janitorial, manufacturing, those kind of jobs.”
The program is in its 6-month planning period, which will be followed by 18 months of the initiative being implemented in the community.
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