Title
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A Resolution to Approve a Funding Grant Agreement with NAMI Metro Suburban for the Living Room Program in Oak Park, IL
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Introduction
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The purpose of this agenda item is to seek Board approval of a funding agreement for NAMI Metro Suburban to operate the Living Room Program in Oak Park for up to three years to provide accessible, supportive mental health services to community members.
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Recommended Action
Adopt the Resolution.
Prior Board Action
The Board has taken the following prior action(s):
• October 21, 2025: MOT 25-255 - A Motion by Trustee Enyia and Seconded by Trustee Leving Jacobson to Grant $150,000 to the Living Room Project
• November 4, 2025: ID 25-657 - A Discussion Regarding the Request from the Living Room for $150,000 a Year for Three (3) Years
Background
The Living Room Project (LRP). The LRP is a nationally recognized model to support someone experiencing an increase in mental health symptoms. The LRP is for individuals over the age of 18 who require a crisis respite program, with services and supports designed to de-escalate a mental health crisis.
The Community Mental Health Board has been working with NAMI Metro Suburban to open a Living Room in Oak Park. This Living Room would likely be in the Southtown business district near the Oak Park Blue Line station. It would be open seven days a week from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. NAMI is seeking $150,000 per year for three years. This is part of a $355,000 per year projected budget. The full funding plan for the proposal can be seen in the table below.
|
|
Capital |
Annual operational support (per year for three years) |
Status |
|
Community Mental Health Board |
$85,000 |
$100,000 |
Committed |
|
Oak Park River Forest Community Foundation |
|
$25,000 |
Committed |
|
River Forest Township |
|
$10,000 |
Committed |
|
Oak Park Township |
|
$10,000 |
Committed |
|
Rush Oak Park Hospital |
|
$50,000 |
Requested |
|
Village of Forest Park |
|
$10,000 |
Requested |
|
Village of Oak Park |
|
$150,000 |
Requested |
|
Total |
$85,000 |
$355,000 |
|
Not all funding for operations has been committed yet. NAMI and CMHB are continuing to fundraise in support of the project, including years two and three. Per guidance from the Finance Committee, staff have added language to the agreement that all Village funding is for up to $150,000 per year, with that amount to be reduced if NAMI receives other funding to support this work. Additionally, the agreement is for one year with two options to renew so that the funding amount can be updated as needed during the renewal process. NAMI Metro Suburban stated they will be seeking state funding after the three-year pilot to continue operations.
NAMI Metro Suburban (NAMI) has operated Living Room Programs in Illinois since 2016, including successful sites in La Grange and Summit that collectively serve nearly 3,000 individuals annually. While NAMI and CMHB have provided data on potential usage from analysis of 911 data, Rush Oak Park Emergency Room data, and a CMHB community survey, the true potential for usage from Oak Park vs. other communities remains unknown. Such information would be gathered during the pilot period to better support a state funding request.
Timing Considerations
If approved, NAMI proposes to open the Living Room Program in January 2026.
Budget Impact
The 2026 budget includes $150,000 to support the Living Room in 2026 under Neighborhood Services, External Support Account GL 1001.46211.101.530667. The up to $150,000 in funding for years 2027 and 2028 would need to be allocated in future budgeting processes.
Staffing Impact
Staffing impacts associated with this item are uncertain. Depending on operations, the program could increase, decrease, or have no change for Police and Fire call levels. The Fire Department must transfer an individual in a mental health crisis to a hospital; they cannot take that person to the Living Room. Neighborhood Services staff will administer and monitor the contract as part of its normal duties.
DEI Impact
The Living Room Program (LRP) is expected to significantly benefit populations who disproportionately experience barriers to mental health care. The Living Room model directly addresses these inequities by offering a no-cost, no-insurance, low-barrier, walk-in option staffed by Certified Recovery Support Specialists whose lived experience and cultural representation reflect the communities they serve.
Community Input
There has been no community input on the specific proposal by the Community Mental Health Board. The Alternative Call Response Taskforce recommended that the Village “continue working with community partners to develop places for individuals to receive care to assist in a crisis or prevent escalation to crisis (i.e. Living Room programs).” The 2022 Oak Park IPLAN calls includes opening a Living Room in Oak Park as a strategy.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board adopt the resolution.
Advantages:
• This action supports the goals identified in the Village of Oak Park’s plans and goals to support community safety and improve access to mental health services.
• May help to reduce reliance on the Police Department for behavioral health-related calls.
Disadvantages:
• Impacts of the program may be limited if residents are not fully aware of the new service provided for the community.
• May raise concerns that additional gaps in behavioral health response still remain unaddressed in the community.
Alternatives
The Board could request additional information.
Advantages:
• Allows staff to look deeper into anticipated performance data, community needs, and alternative funding options.
Disadvantages:
• This action could postpone the launch of the Living Room program resulting in a gap for crisis support.
Anticipated Future Actions
If approved, staff will execute the funding agreement with NAMI and initiate program implementation. Staff will monitor program performance and spending, and provide updates to the Board as part of the reporting cycle, including as part of the 2027 budget process.
Prepared By: Vanessa Matheny, Community Services Administrator
Reviewed By: Jonathan Burch, Assistant Village Manager/Neighborhood Services Director
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Resolution
2. Agreement