Front-line human service workers are the backbone of a compassionate society. Most often employed by nonprofit organizations, they provide critical care and support that help people thrive, maintain independence, and navigate daily stressors and crises. These professionals include home and health care workers, licensed counselors, social workers, after-school care providers, case managers for refugee families and homeless outreach workers. More than helpers, they are lifelines. Yet, due to inadequate public funding and alarmingly low wages, these “essential” workers are pushed to the brink.
Despite the vital nature of their work, front-line human service workers in Illinois and across the nation are underpaid and undervalued. The portion of Illinois’ general revenue fund allocated to human services is 25% lower than it was 27 years ago. Chronic underfunding depresses wages, threatening not just the workers but also the essential services that safeguard the well-being of hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans.
The economic impact of the human services sector cannot be overstated. In 2016, it equaled $4.5 billion in Illinois. Adjusted for inflation, that figure should have risen to $5.6 billion by 2023. Yet, service providers struggle with stagnant government reimbursement rates that fail to keep pace with rising costs. Reimbursement rates that determine how much the government repays nonprofit organizations providing human services have been woefully inadequate, leaving organizations with a funding gap that has devastating consequences: service reductions, high turnover and professionals working long hours for wages barely above minimum wage. The impact is real — Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago recently walked away from 75 government contracts totaling $24 million because the actual costs on the organization amounted to $36 million, resulting in 300 eliminated positions.
The instability driven by inadequate government reimbursement rates must end. That is why we are championing the Support Living Wages, Thriving Communities resolution (HR151/SR123) to demand fair pay for front-line human service workers.
The reality for many workers in this sector is stark, a truth deeply understood by those with experience on the front lines. We have worked in the human services sector — Rep. Avelar providing legal assistance to low-income immigrants and Rep. LaPointe in case management and homeless street outreach — and we understand firsthand the financial struggles front-line workers face.
A survey released in 2024 by Illinois Partners for Human Service found that 82% of human service workers do not earn a living wage; 56% struggle to afford housing, and 50% have difficulty affording food. Among single-income households with children — most of whom are women — 92% do not earn a living wage. Those who dedicate themselves to caring for others should not have to choose between paying rent, buying groceries or seeking medical care.
Without increased government funding, we risk losing a significant portion of our human service workforce to higher-paying industries. Two-thirds of surveyed workers have considered leaving due to financial stress. If they leave, who will care for aging parents, provide therapy to children in crisis or support individuals with disabilities? These services are not luxuries; they are necessities.
As elected officials, we have a duty to advocate for increased state funding for human services and higher wages for front-line workers. Reimbursement rates, state grants, contracts and minimum overhead allowances must keep pace with rising costs. Furthermore, state funding must allow human service employers to pay a livable wage with annual cost-of-living adjustments, without increasing caseloads or reducing services.
This is not just a workers’ rights issue — it is a looming societal crisis. The 2015-2017 Illinois budget impasse under Gov. Bruce Rauner devastated human service providers, slashing support for nearly 1 million residents and causing widespread job losses. Those cuts disproportionately harmed low-income families, children, seniors and people with disabilities. While today’s crisis has been a slow and sometimes invisible simmer, primarily borne by underpaid essential workers, we refuse to repeat past mistakes.
Investing in human services is fundamental to our collective future. The struggles of those who dedicate their lives to caring for others cannot be ignored. Action must be taken now.
With fair wages and adequate funding, we can build a stronger, more resilient Illinois — one that truly values the well-being of every individual.
State Rep. Dagmara “Dee” Avelar, D-Bolingbrook, represents the 85th District, and Rep. Lindsey LaPointe, D-Chicago, represents the 19th District.
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