September 05, 2024

Duckworth Touts $1 Million in Federal Funding She Secured for New Affordable Housing Projects in Chicago

 

[CHICAGO, IL] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today visited Breakthrough Urban Ministries to highlight and discuss the $1 million federal investment she secured through a Fiscal Year 2023 Congressionally Directed Spending Request to help build 14 new units of affordable housing on Chicago’s West Side. Groundbreaking on the new units will take place later this month, helping increase housing in the East Garfield Park neighborhood. Duckworth today met with Breakthrough Urban Ministries Executive Director Yolanda Fields and their leadership team for the celebration. Photos from today’s event can be found on the Senator’s website.

“Our state and our nation are stronger when we invest in our communities and families—and that’s one of the things Congressionally Directed Spending allows us to do,” Duckworth said. ““I’m proud I’ve been able to secure critical support for projects all across our state, including to help support Breakthrough Urban Ministry’s efforts in East Garfield Park. Expanding affordable housing options and improving housing conditions is critically important, and I’m proud to see this federal funding support new modern, affordable housing in communities that have been overlooked for far too long.”

Breakthrough Urban Ministries has been serving the neighborhood of East Garfield Park for nearly 30 years, partnering with those affected by poverty to build connections, develop skills and open doors of opportunity. They provide transitional and permanent supportive housing for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. In addition to housing services, Breakthrough also provides a variety of helpful community-based resources and programs covering topics such as education and youth development, economic opportunities, health and wellness, violence prevention and spiritual formation.

In Fiscal Year 2024, Duckworth and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) successfully secured more than $264 million through the CDS process for Illinois, $182 million in FY23 and another $211 million for Illinois in FY22. A map detailing where funding has gone throughout Illinois can be found on the Senator’s website. Senator Duckworth works with an Independent Review Board to examine and evaluate worthwhile projects focused on building infrastructure, stimulating economic development and providing essential services for Illinois communities.

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