The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), through its Division of Family and Community Services, Office of Community & Positive Youth Development, Bureau of Youth Intervention Services, is offering competitive grants to support its Homeless Youth Program. This program targets public and private nonprofit community-based organizations, local governments, schools, and regional educational offices across Illinois. The initiative seeks to address the immediate needs and long-term stability of youth aged 14 to 23 who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness due to an inability to return home or live independently.

Funded organizations will provide a holistic model of care that includes three essential program components: Outreach/Case Management, Emergency Shelter/Interim Housing, and Transitional Living. Outreach programs are designed to engage youth in the community to assess safety needs and initiate services. Emergency shelters offer 24-hour housing for up to 120 days, focusing on immediate stabilization. Transitional Living provides safe housing for up to 24 months, paired with services such as life skills training, education, employment support, and health referrals, to help youth achieve self-sufficiency.

The total estimated funding for this initiative is $12 million, with individual awards ranging from $100,000 to $800,000. Approximately 30 awards are expected. Cost sharing is not required. Applicants must include all three program components in their proposal and provide a minimum of four daily program slots per component. Additionally, all providers must comply with state licensing requirements, especially when housing minors, and must demonstrate readiness to begin services by October 1, 2025.

The grant application opened on April 21, 2025, and closes on May 21, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. CST. A technical assistance webinar is scheduled for April 29, 2025, and although not mandatory, attendance is strongly encouraged. Application materials must be submitted electronically via email, with detailed submission requirements including a Uniform Grant Budget via the CSA system, multiple narrative sections, required attachments, and optional subcontractor materials if applicable.

Evaluation of proposals will follow a merit-based review process, focusing on organizational capacity, program design, demonstrated need, and budget justification. Successful applicants will be notified in June 2025, with the grant period beginning no earlier than July 1, 2025, and continuing through June 30, 2026. Applicants must maintain compliance with all pre-qualification and post-award reporting requirements, including the use of IDHS's eCornerstone system for youth service tracking and program performance monitoring.