As Illinois confronts an aging housing stock and a growing mismatch between supply and demand, the need to expand all forms of safe housing has never been more urgent, especially for our most vulnerable populations, including those experiencing housing instability and behavioral health challenges.
“Every family, every individual deserves not just a bed, but a stable place they can call home,” said State Senator Rachel Ventura (D-Joliet). “We must address the housing deficit across our state and build more units, preserve what we have and limit private equity from buying up and increasing rents to ensure everyone has a roof over their head. Providing supportive housing can not only create generational wealth but can stop generational trauma.”
Ventura has secured funding to support the creation of VOA Hope Manor Village Joliet, a new long-term supportive housing facility for women with children recovering from opioid addiction. Developed by Volunteers of America Illinois, the project will provide 48 units — one- and two-bedroom apartments — on the former Silver Cross Hospital campus in Joliet. Its design will be recovery-based, and trauma-informed, thus integrating housing with supportive services to foster stability and long-term recovery.
“We are thankful for our community partners, the City of Joliet, Silver Cross Hospital, the Housing Authority of Joliet, and the Illinois Housing Development Authority for making this possible and investing in the future of housing and recovery,” said Nancy Hughes Moyer, president and CEO of VOA Illinois. “Because of their partnership, women in recovery will now have access to safe and stable housing, providing them with the foundation they need to rebuild their lives and move forward with confidence.”
The latest data from the Illinois Department of Public Health showed over 3,500 overdose deaths in 2023, a decrease from years before but still well above pre-pandemic numbers. This includes over 2,800 deaths from opioids, which also saw a decrease but remains above pre-pandemic numbers.
According to the Illinois Economic Policy Institute June 2025 study, home prices in Illinois rose by 37% between 2019 and 2024, substantially outpacing inflation. Inventory of homes for sale has sharply declined: Active listings are significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels, constraining options for buyers. Illinois needs to build 45,000 homes for five years to address its housing shortage.
“Expanding supportive housing like Hope Manor Village is not just about helping those in recovery, it is part of a broader solution to Illinois’ housing crisis,” said Ventura. “We are committed to increasing housing supply across income levels, preserving existing affordable units, and creating models of housing that support health, recovery and family stability.”
For more information on opioids, visit IDPH’s opioids page.
For more information on Illinois Economic Policy Institute study, click here.
