Chicago, IL-(Effingham Radio)-The latest Illinois Lottery instant ticket sold for the purpose of helping a specialty cause in Illinois is now available at Lottery retailers across the state.

Profits from the “Easy as 1-2-3” game, which went on sale September 3, will be deposited into the Homelessness Prevention Revenue Fund and be used by the Illinois Department of Human Services for homelessness prevention and assistance program grants.

The Department’s Homeless Prevention Program provides rental assistance, utility assistance and support services related to the prevention of homelessness to individuals and families who are in danger of eviction, foreclosure or homelessness or are currently homeless.

The program is designed to stabilize individuals and families in their existing homes, shorten the amount of time they stay in shelters and assist them with securing affordable housing.

“The Illinois Lottery is proud to support such a worthy cause and expand its commitment to good causes around the state,” Illinois Lottery Acting Director Harold Mays said. “This new game will help us achieve our goal to create fun games that benefit people and communities throughout Illinois.”

The “Easy as 1-2-3” ticket costs $2, and players can win up to $20,000.

The ticket is available for purchase at one of the more than 7,200 Illinois Lottery retailers across Illinois.

The ticket is the newest addition to the Illinois Lottery’s portfolio of instant tickets that support special causes, including Illinois veterans’ services, the fight against breast cancer, multiple sclerosis research, Special Olympics training programs, police memorials and assistance for people living with HIV/AIDS.

Since 2006, Illinois Lottery specialty ticket sales have raised nearly $52 million for special causes throughout the state.