The Southern Illinois Resource and Advocacy Center (SIRAC) has received a $60,000 Medical Respite Planning Grant from the Illinois Public Health Institute to help design a new support model for unhoused pregnant and postpartum women in southern Illinois.
The initiative will focus on creating a safe, home-based environment where mothers and their infants can recover and access essential services.
“Our region has carried a significant burden of maternal and child health challenges without adequate resources,” said Megan Ragan, Executive Director of SIRAC. “This initiative will allow mothers and infants to recover in safety, rebuild stability, and connect with the supports they need.”
According to SIRAC, the planned model will include temporary housing, meals, and a wide range of services such as care coordination, trauma-informed peer support, perinatal education, and access to substance use treatment and recovery programs when needed.
The organization notes that rural communities in southern Illinois continue to face high maternal health disparities and limited resources. The upcoming respite model aims to bridge the gap between hospital discharge and long-term stability, improving outcomes for both mothers and infants.
SIRAC plans to collaborate with individuals who have lived experience in homelessness, recovery, and parenting to ensure the program reflects community needs. Work with partners is expected to begin in early 2026, with a long-term goal of expanding the model across rural Illinois.
