510-RTLR Regions The Living Room Program (02)

The Illinois Department of Human Services, through its Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, offers funding under the program titled 510-RTLR Regions The Living Room. This state-funded opportunity is designed to support the development and operation of Living Room Programs, which are crisis respite environments intended to serve individuals experiencing behavioral health crises. The Department operates as the awarding agency and is responsible for administering funds, evaluating applications, and overseeing program performance. The initiative reflects Illinois’ broader commitment to improving behavioral health infrastructure and reducing reliance on emergency departments and inpatient psychiatric hospitalization. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to establish and maintain Living Room Programs that provide a safe, voluntary, and non-clinical environment where individuals can receive peer-based support during a crisis. These programs are grounded in recovery-oriented and trauma-informed practices and emphasize the role of Peer Recovery Support Specialists with lived experience. Services are designed to help individuals process crises, build coping strategies, and access community-based resources, ultimately diverting them from higher levels of care such as hospitals or incarceration settings. The program aligns with the Crisis Now approach, focusing on matching services to individual needs and promoting recovery through peer engagement. Funding under this opportunity totals approximately 3500000 dollars, with individual awards ranging from 750000 to 1400000 dollars. Funds may be used for personnel, program operations, training, outreach, transportation for guests, and facility-related expenses necessary to create a safe and supportive environment. Indirect costs are allowable with an approved rate or up to a 15 percent de minimis rate. Pre-award costs are not permitted. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement, reducing financial barriers for applicants. Subcontracting is allowed but must be pre-approved, with the primary grantee retaining responsibility for oversight and performance. Eligible applicants include government organizations, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit organizations that meet all registration and prequalification requirements. Applicants must maintain active registration in SAM.gov, possess a valid Unique Entity Identifier, and remain in good standing with relevant regulatory lists. Additional eligibility restrictions require that applicants propose programs in specific geographic areas, namely Rockford, Springfield or Decatur, or East St. Louis. Programs must operate continuously, 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, and meet strict staffing and operational standards, including maintaining qualified personnel and access to mental health professionals. The application process requires submission of a complete application packet via email, including a Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance, a detailed program narrative, a conflict of interest disclosure, and a budget entered into the CSA Tracking System. The narrative must address community need, organizational capacity, program design, and evaluation strategies. Applications are evaluated through a merit review process based on criteria such as community need, program quality, organizational capacity, and data reporting capabilities. Applicants must ensure all required documentation is submitted by the deadline, as incomplete applications will not be considered. Key dates for this funding opportunity include an application posting date of May 19, 2026, and a submission deadline of June 3, 2026 at 12:00 PM Central Time. Questions were accepted until May 27, 2026. Awards were anticipated to be announced around July 1, 2026, with a performance period beginning no earlier than July 1, 2026 and continuing through June 30, 2027. Successful applicants may be eligible for up to two additional one-year renewals based on performance and available funding. Applicants could direct inquiries to the designated agency contact via email, and all communication regarding the opportunity was centralized through the Department’s grant administration system.

Emphasize detailed community need data strong staffing plan compliance with 24 7 operations and clear measurable outcomes aligned with crisis diversion goals