CHICAGO, IL — Human service workers, organizational leaders, and advocates gathered today at the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago to kick off the Living Wages, Thriving Communities Week of Action—a statewide call for immediate investment in Illinois’ human services workforce.
The press conference was hosted by Illinois Partners for Human Service in coalition with local organizations New Moms, SHPA (Supportive Housing Providers Association), Metropolitan Family Services, HRDI (Human Resources Development Institute, Inc.), Instituto Del Progreso Latino, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Black Leadership Advocacy Coalition for Healthcare Equity (BLACHE) and Thresholds. In the press conference, they highlighted the urgent need for fair wages, sustainable funding, and legislative protections for the sector. The event featured powerful stories from frontline workers, who shared how chronic underinvestment impacts not only their lives but also the vulnerable communities they serve across the state.
“Human service workers are the backbone of our communities — they care for our most vulnerable, support families in crisis, and help individuals regain stability and independence. Their work is not just compassionate, it’s essential.”, said Senator Graciela Guzmán (D-IL 20). “These professionals deserve to be paid a living wage that reflects the value and impact of their labor. It’s time we recognize their contributions with real investment and fair compensation.”
“Investing in human services at a scale to match the need must include compensating front-line professionals adequately, from homeless outreach to homecare, so they can stay in the field. Without our front-line professionals, human services simply cannot exist. Far too many people are leaving the field due to low wages, and far too many nonprofits are ending public sector contracts due to appropriations and grant awards that fail to cover costs,” said Representative Lindsey LaPointe (D-IL 19)
“This Week of Action is a powerful demonstration of unity, purpose, and urgency around a common goal. Across the state, human service workers, organizational leaders, and allies have come together to say loud and clear: we will no longer accept poverty wages for work that holds our communities together.. We’re calling on our lawmakers to meet this moment with meaningful investment and lasting change.” Said Lauren Wright, Executive Director, Illinois Partners for Human Service
Speakers emphasized the critical importance of the legislative demands central to the campaign:
- Increased funding for Human Services in the FY26 State Budget
- Support for the Living Wages, Thriving Communities Resolution (HR0151/SR0123)
- Investment in the Human Service Professional Loan Repayment Program (HB1588/SB1306)
- Support for the Human Services Equitable Pay Act (HB2695)
The press conference marks the beginning of a five-day Week of Action to mobilize public and legislative support across Illinois. Events include:
- Monday, April 21: Kickoff press conference at YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
- Tuesday, April 22: Statewide social media blitz and witness slip drive: https://bit.ly/hs-epa
- Wednesday, April 23: Public hearing in Springfield, IL
- Thursday, April 24: Legislator phone banking
- Friday, April 25: Celebration of frontline human service workers
About Living Wages, Thriving Communities
The Living Wages, Thriving Communities campaign is a growing movement to ensure fair pay and economic justice for human care workers in Illinois. It unites frontline staff, nonprofit leaders, elected officials, and community advocates to address wage inequity rooted in systemic racism and sexism and secure sustainable funding for human services.
About Illinois Partners for Human Services
Illinois Partners is a statewide coalition of over 850 community-based organizations delivering essential services across all 102 counties of Illinois. From after-school programs to disability support and mental health care, their work ensures the stability and well-being of our communities.
For more information, visit: www.LivingWageIL.org
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