510-RTLR Regions The Living Room

The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), through its Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR), has released a funding opportunity titled "510-RTLR Regions The Living Room." This initiative is designed to support the establishment and operation of Living Room Programs (LRPs), which offer voluntary, non-clinical, short-term crisis respite for adults aged 18 and older. These programs aim to divert individuals from psychiatric hospitalization, emergency departments, or law enforcement interventions by providing safe, home-like environments staffed by Peer Recovery Support Specialists. The program is rooted in the philosophy that crises are opportunities for growth and learning, and that individuals benefit from voluntary, peer-led support in calming environments. The total anticipated funding for this grant opportunity is approximately $23.4 million, with an expected 24 awards ranging between $750,000 and $1,400,000. The funds are sourced from state appropriations and do not require cost-sharing or matching from applicants. Awards are for a one-year period beginning no earlier than July 1, 2026, and may be renewed for up to two additional years based on performance, availability of funds, and departmental discretion. Indirect costs are allowable and not subject to specific caps, though pre-award costs are not permitted. Eligible applicants include government entities, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit organizations. Each Living Room Program must operate 24/7 year-round and meet strict staffing requirements, including having at least one Certified Recovery Support Specialist on-site at all times. Additional staff must meet qualifications as Certified Peer Recovery Specialists, Peer Support Workers, or Mental Health Professionals. Programs must also have immediate access to a Qualified Mental Health Professional. Facilities must include both communal and private spaces, with environmental features that support emotional healing and reflect trauma-informed design principles. Application requirements include a completed program narrative, budget submitted through the IDHS CSA Tracking System, and supporting documentation such as a uniform application and conflict of interest disclosure. If subcontractors are used, their budgets must also be submitted. Separate applications and narratives are required for each site a provider intends to operate, with clearly identified location suffixes. Applications must be submitted via email no later than March 19, 2026, at 12:00 PM Central Time. A technical assistance session will be held on February 27, 2026, at 1:00 PM, though attendance is not mandatory. Evaluation of applications will be based on community need, agency capacity, quality of proposed services, data collection and reporting plans, and alignment with the Crisis Now model. The Department emphasizes racial equity, trauma-informed care, and culturally responsive practices throughout service delivery. Applications must include detailed plans for outreach, service delivery, and quality improvement. Programs are expected to collect and report performance data quarterly, including guest demographics, service utilization, referral sources, and feedback. Questions about this opportunity must be submitted via email by March 12, 2026, at 12:00 PM Central Time to [email protected]. Award notifications are anticipated by July 1, 2026. Recipients will enter into a Uniform Grant Agreement and must comply with post-award reporting and invoicing requirements. Additional resources and reporting templates are available through IDHS platforms.

Submit all documents as separate PDFs by the deadline; demonstrate staff readiness and 24/7 operations clearly.