State of Illinois Honors Leaders Advancing Housing Access and Justice Across Illinois

State of Illinois Honors Leaders Advancing Housing Access and Justice Across Illinois

CHICAGO — The State of Illinois recognized and celebrated the exceptional leadership of seven people and organizations leading work across Illinois to prevent and end homelessness through the Home Illinois Summit Recognition of Service awards.

The third annual Home Illinois Summit, held in Rosemont, IL, brought together people with lived expertise, service providers, philanthropic and advocacy partners, elected officials, and government staff working to end homelessness across the state and to advance best practices in homeless services and housing. The two-day gathering also celebrated the collective progress under Home Illinois — the State’s comprehensive interagency plan to prevent and end homelessness led by the Illinois Office to Prevent and End Homelessness. The plan leverages both established and innovative strategies to prevent shelter entry and reduce homelessness to a rare, brief, and one-time experience.

This year’s awardees have shown exceptional service and contributions to preventing and ending homelessness across Illinois and caring for people experiencing homelessness. Their work and commitment exemplify the spirit and goals of Home Illinois.

“These honorees represent the powerful and necessary collaboration that is fueling real change across our state,” said Chief Homelessness Officer Christine Haley of the Illinois Office to Prevent and End Homelessness. “Through compassion, commitment to best practices, innovation, and leadership, they are helping ensure every Illinoisan has a place to call home. The State is deeply grateful for each of their remarkable service.”

The 2025 Home Illinois Summit Recognition of Service awardees:

State Senator Adriane Johnson – Senator Johnson serves Illinois’ 30th District.

Liam Wheeler – Liam Wheeler is the Continuum of Care (CoC) Coordinator leading the Central Illinois Continuum of Care at The Center for Human Services.

Yost Management Services and Illinois Affordable Housing, NFP – Based in Charleston, IL, Yost Management is a leader in affordable housing development and property management.

Trilogy – For over 50 years, Trilogy has empowered individuals across Chicago recovering from mental illness by providing holistic, person-centered care.

Heartland HOUSED – Serving Springfield and Sangamon County, Heartland HOUSED is the lead agency and backbone organization for the Heartland Continuum of Care.

City of Elgin – The City of Elgin has taken a proactive, compassionate approach to serving residents experiencing homelessness, expanding affordable housing options and enhancing support services.

Willette Benford – A leading voice in criminal legal reform and reentry justice, and in uplifting the critical importance of housing in reentry, Willette Benford serves as Senior Advisor to First Lady MK Pritzker.

The Home Illinois Summit 2025 affirms the State’s commitment to ending homelessness through equity-driven, data-informed solutions that center people. With continued statewide collaboration and leadership, Illinois is advancing housing access and housing justice.

For more information about the Illinois Office to Prevent and End Homelessness or the 2025 Summit, please visit endhomelessness.illinois.gov.


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