All Week Long
Originally published on nbcchicago.com 01/16/2023 | Photo: Getty Images / NBC Chicago
"What I always say is his life work and our life’s work has to be trying to make this country a better place, and it’s the life’s work of all of us," said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.
People across the Chicago area on Monday commemorated Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2023 by remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s fight for equality and how his messages still resonate today.
Some took to the streets in solidarity for those he spent his life trying to help while others celebrated Dr. King's mission.
"I have slept outdoors, I have slept in shelters, and actually I've slept on bus benches before," said James L. Barnett.
Barnett was once homeless and now works with Connections for the Homeless, which aims to prevent home loss, assist families find shelter, and maintain and obtain homes for those who need it.
On Monday, he joined hundreds in downtown Evanston to march for change on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
"It is very important, because at any given time it could be anyone of us," said Barnett.
Cook County Justice Advisory Council to Host Information Session on Funding Opportunity for Community Based Organizations
Today, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, the Housing Authority of Cook County (HACC) and the Cook County Justice Advisory Council (JAC) announced an American Rescue Plan Act- funded reentry initiative that will provide rental assistance and wraparound support services to residents returning to Cook County from periods of incarceration.
“The reentry period is a vital time to lay foundations for future safety and success,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “Justice involved residents face challenges when they return home to their communities. Access to stable housing and supportive services are key in helping them successfully navigate challenges and achieve their goals.”
The Rental Assistance and Services for Returning Residents initiative will provide up to $15 million dollars in rental assistance and $8 million dollars in wraparound services delivered by qualified community-based service providers over the next three years.
The program will support individuals who have returned home to Cook County from prison in the last 24 months. Eligible individuals will be referred by a reentry case manager or a parole officer and will receive rental assistance via direct payments from HACC to their landlord. Residents participating in the program will also receive individualized wraparound services such as case management, education and employment support, healthcare services and legal assistance. Enrolled participants are expected to begin receiving rental assistance and services this summer.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the vaccines currently available in the United States are more than 90% effective at preventing COVID-19. Getting vaccinated will protect yourself and those around you and will help keep your community healthy.
Paid for by Preckwinkle for President. A copy of our report filed with the State Board of Elections is (or will be) available on the Board's official website, http://elections.il.gov/, or for purchase from the State Board of Elections, Springfield, Illinois. All contributions are reported to the State Board of Elections. Contributions are not accepted from employees of Cook County. Companies holding contracts with the Cook County are limited to $750.
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