Family and Caregiving Support Resources
Heartland Alliance Health, Housing and Legal Services
Heartland Alliance in Chicago provides programs to address the root causes of poverty, generate social change and inspire people to build better lives not only for themselves but for their communities.
Heartland Alliance’s National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) provides direct legal services to and advocates for immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers through policy reform, impact litigation and public education. Other programs include:
Help for Caregivers, Grandparents/Relatives Raising Children in Northeastern Illinois
AgeGuide Northeastern Illinois provides programs offering respite, legal services, counseling, financial help, training programs and more for caregivers and grandparents/relatives raising children. Residents in DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will counties may be eligible.
For questions, please contact AgeGuide at (800) 528-2000 or info@ageguide.org.
Helping Children and Adolescents Cope With Traumatic Events
Every year, children and adolescents experience disasters and other traumatic events. Family, friends and trusted adults play an essential role in helping youth cope with these experiences.
The National Institute of Mental health has numerous resources to help children and adolescents cope with traumatic events.
HFS Medicaid Customer Guide Website
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services’ (HFS) Medicaid Customer Guide website helps customers and the partners who support them find the information they need. The guide provides a more streamlined, user-friendly experience. Clearer navigation and simpler language make it easier to find information about Medicaid coverage, eligibility, benefits, applications, renewals and other important resources. The guide organizes information around frequently asked questions and tasks to help:
- Learn about Medicaid
- Connect families with information about their coverage and benefits
- Explore recent HR 1 Federal Changes
- Apply for healthcare and use your benefits
- Understand your rights
Hispanic Women of Springfield (HWOS)
Hispanic Women of Springfield is a nonprofit organization offering a variety of resources and social activities for both Spanish- and English-speaking individuals. Its services include:
- Translating documents
- Access to food, medication, utility assistance and other resources
- Someone to check in with and talk to
- Immigration, driver’s license and ITIN number information
- Special events
For questions, please get in touch with Hispanic Women of Springfield at hwofspringfield@gmail.com or (217) 679-1434.
You can also visit the Hispanic Women of Springfield Facebook page.
Homeless Prevention Program in Illinois
The Homeless Prevention Program in Illinois provides rental/mortgage assistance, utility assistance, approved case management and approved supportive services directly related to the prevention of homelessness to eligible 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 that individuals and families stay in shelters and assist individuals and families with securing affordable housing.
Contact a Homeless Prevention Provider from the list to receive services.
Hope WINS (What I Need to Succeed) is a family-driven organization focused on educating and equipping families with the tools they need to create healthy relationships and nurturing environments where families can flourish. Programs include an around-the-clock parent support line, a family connection night, a parent support group, summer and pop-up camps, and resources for families in northwest Illinois.
Hope WINS programs include:- R.I.S.E. (Reflect, Inquire, Support, Empower) Parent Support Group
- R.I.S.E. Family Connection Events
- R.I.S.E. Parent-to-Parent Partners peer mentorship program for caregivers
The Hope WINS Support Line for parents and caregivers is open 24 hours a day for anyone in need of help through any crisis, big or small. Call or text (877) 221-HOPE (221-4673).
For questions, contact Hope WINS at hopewins20237@gmail.com or (815) 990-1907.
Housing Authority of Cook County
The Housing Authority of Cook County is committed to providing quality housing to low and moderate-income families, the elderly and individuals with disabilities throughout suburban Cook County. Programs and resources include low-income public housing, affordable multi-family housing, Housing Choice Voucher Programs and more Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher Programs.For questions, please call the Housing Authority of Cook County at (312) 663-5447.The Housing Authority of Joliet provides low-income individuals and families with access to affordable housing assistance and support services designed to maximize independence and promote self-sufficiency. The Housing Authority of Joliet’s website includes information about each program, application requirements and information for tenants and landlords.
Its website also offers information on service agencies that can help people facing challenges, including emergency housing, employment and job training, legal assistance, mental health, mobility assistance, parenting skills, substance abuse and more.
For questions, please contact the Housing Authority of Joliet at (815) 727-0611 or (800) 545-1833, ext. 878 (relay service).
Housing Forward aims to prevent homelessness whenever possible, respond to housing crises when they do occur and stabilize people with supportive services and housing. It offers a full range of programs and services that include:
- Emergency financial assistance
- Emergency shelter
- Interim and transitional housing
- Respite services for a medical or behavioral health event
- Wraparound services, including employment, family support, community health nursing, behavioral health and legal clinic
- Rental support
- Permanent supportive housing
- Housing navigation services and more
Housing Forward serves 26 communities in west suburban Cook County: Bellwood, Berkeley, Berwyn, Broadview, Brookfield, Cicero, Elmwood Park, Forest Park, Forest View, Franklin Park, Harwood Heights, Hillside, Lyons, Maywood, Melrose Park, Norridge, North Riverside, Northlake, Oak Park, River Forest, River Grove, Riverside, Schiller Park, Stickney, Stone Park and Westchester.
For more information, call the Housing Forward Office at (708) 338-1724 or visit the Housing Forward About Us page.