SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois lawmakers are moving forward with the bill to create safer and stronger communities by improving housing and support services for people returning home from prison.

Roughly 15,000 people leave Illinois prisons each year, but the vast majority of those Illinoisans are unable to find stable housing due to inequities in the housing market and gaps in human services.

The Home for Good plan calls for rental subsidies and wrap-around services for returning residents. 

"Third is reentry housing development, which will focus on creating additional housing units, helping to alleviate the statewide housing shortage while minimizing the possibility of landlord discrimination," said Illinois Justice Project Director Ahmadou Dramé. 

This bill would also create a Home for Good Institute to provide training and technical assistance to community-based organizations helping with reentry housing. 

House Bill 624 passed out of the House Housing Committee on a partisan 11-4 vote Wednesday. It now heads to the House floor for further consideration. 

"Home for Good ensures there is a bridge between the Department of Corrections and back into our community," said Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford). "That's how we reduce recidivism. That's how we are in a position to reduce crime and increase our tax base so we can talk about lowering taxes."

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