Illinois Bill Aims to Expand Housing and Reentry Services for Former Prisoners

Proposed legislation would increase public safety, save taxpayers money, and reduce homelessness, supporters say.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A coalition is promoting legislation in the Illinois legislature that would improve housing and support services for those leaving prison, helping cut recidivism in the process. The bill, called "Home for Good", would provide rental assistance, develop more affordable reentry housing, and create a coordinated system of wraparound services to aid the transition back into the community.

Why it matters

The legislation is aimed at addressing the high rates of homelessness and recidivism among those leaving the prison system in Illinois, which disproportionately impacts Black and brown communities that already face higher incarceration rates. Supporters say the program would save taxpayers money in the long run by reducing the costs associated with recidivism.

The details

The proposed "Home for Good" legislation has four main components: 1) Rental assistance through the Illinois Housing Development Authority, 2) Developing more affordable reentry housing and addressing landlord discrimination, 3) Creating a coordinated system of wraparound services to aid the transition back into the community, and 4) Establishing a "Home for Good Institute" to provide training and assistance to community groups operating reentry programs.

  • The legislation is currently being sponsored in the Illinois House by Democrat Maurice West and in the Senate by Democrat Adriane Johnson.
  • The coalition estimates the program would cost about $50 million to implement, but says the savings and economic activity generated would be around $477 million in the first three years.

The players

Home for Good Coalition

A coalition promoting the legislation to improve housing and support services for those leaving prison in Illinois.

Maurice West

Illinois State Representative from Rockford, sponsoring the legislation in the House.

Adriane Johnson

Illinois State Senator from Buffalo Grove, sponsoring the legislation in the Senate.

Ahmadou Dramé

Director of the Illinois Justice Project, part of the Home for Good Coalition.

Illinois Department of Corrections

State agency that reports about 37% of the 15,000 people who leave prison in Illinois each year re-offend within three years of release.

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What they’re saying

“Everyone deserves a home, but for decades Illinois has failed to create a statewide strategy to support those returning from prison, essentially forcing homelessness and poverty on thousands of people a year. This has an outsized impact on Black and brown communities, who already face higher rates of over-policing and incarceration.”

— Ahmadou Dramé, Director, Illinois Justice Project (myjournalcourier.com)

“Home for Good is smart, sensible policy that also happens to be the right thing to do. At a time when we must invest every penny wisely, this program stands out as a way to save taxpayer money and improve public safety while supporting people who have not received adequate resources from our current system.”

— Adriane Johnson, Illinois State Senator (myjournalcourier.com)

What’s next

The Illinois legislature will consider the "Home for Good" bill in the coming months. If passed, the program would be implemented by the Illinois Housing Development Authority and other state agencies.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation aims to address the high rates of homelessness and recidivism among former prisoners in Illinois, which disproportionately impacts marginalized communities. By providing housing assistance, reentry services, and coordinated support, the program seeks to improve public safety, save taxpayer money, and give those leaving prison a better chance at successfully reintegrating into their communities.