Financial Assistance and Grant Programs Resources
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.
Home Accessibility Program (HAP)
Funded by the Illinois Affordable Housing Trust Fund, HAP provides funding to local governments and non-profit organizations throughout Illinois to provide home accessibility grants to their local constituency. These grants help people stay in their homes and prevent premature or unnecessary institutionalization of the elderly and people with disabilities.
Home Modification Resources – Private and Government
The Illinois Department of Human Resources (IDHS) provides a listing of Illinois, federal, local and private organizations offering home modification programs to promote accessibility and help individuals with disabilities become more independent.
Homeless Assistance Community Contacts
Illinois has many designated Continuum of Care agencies in local communities that can help people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness find affordable housing.
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.
Home modification refers to converting or adapting the environment in order to make performing tasks easier, reduce accidents, and support independent living. Homemods.org provides home modification information, where to find funding, tip sheets and checklists, and training for consumers and professionals.
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.
Housing Opportunities for Women Inc. (HOW)
Housing Opportunities for Women Inc. (HOW) empowers individuals and families in the Chicagoland area to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness. HOW aims to provide individuals experiencing homelessness with housing as quickly as possible along with individualized support services to help them build success and self-sufficiency. Its services and programs include:
- Permanent supportive housing for people with disabilities
- Employment and life skills
- Children and youth after-school enrichment activities and Saturday teen programs
- Advocacy for individuals/families involved with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)
- Housing and support for Families in Transition (FIT)
For questions or more information, please contact HOW at (773) 465-5770.
How SSI and SSDI Can Help Patients
The Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) provides valuable information and understanding to patients navigating the healthcare system.
PAF’s Education Resource Library offers information on a wide variety of individual health and health insurance-related topics as well as understanding Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
Many of PAF’s resources are also available in Spanish.
PAF is also available by phone Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., at (800) 532-5274.