Financial Assistance and Grant Programs Resources
Rebuilding Together is a nationwide nonprofit providing critical, high-impact home repair and renovation services at no cost to eligible homeowners in need. Organization affiliates focus on community projects aimed at improving safety, quality of life and independence for all people. Illinois affiliates are located in Aurora, Henry County, Metro Chicago, North Suburban Chicago, Peoria, Southwest Illinois, and Stephenson County.
Use the Rebuilding Together locator to get up-to-date information for each location. Rebuilding Together services may include:
- Ramps and home repair services targeting significant safety and health hazards
- Minor repairs and modifications such as installing grab bars and securing or installing interior and exterior railings
- Community projects based on input from residents and other stakeholders
RefugeeOne welcomes hundreds of refugees through the U.S. State Department’s Refugee Admissions Program. RefugeeOne provides support and services to help refugees with the resettlement process and becoming self-sufficient. The Chicago-based agency provides a full range of coordinated services that include:
- Resettlement services
- English language training
- Workforce development and sewing studio
- Wellness program and dental clinic
For questions, please contact Refugee One at info@refugeeone.org or visit its Contact page online.
Regional Transportation Authority’s Accessible Transit Information
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) coordinates the Chicago region’s transportation system. The RTA website’s Accessible Transit page includes information about how the transit system is accessible, how to apply for certification for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Paratransit services, and how to learn to use the system and achieve travel independence.
You can also visit the RTA’s Travel Assistance Digital Library to access documents about these programs in English and Spanish.
RTA’s Mobility Outreach Program also works with organizations that serve and offer programs to people with disabilities and older adults to ensure they are aware of their transit options.
Renaissance Social Services – Solutions to Homelessness
Renaissance Social Services helps prevent and end homelessness for vulnerable Chicagoans, including individuals and families living with disabling conditions. It partners with landlords across Chicago to provide safe and affordable housing for its participants.
Renaissance also provides participants a range of services, including prevention, outreach, rapid re-housing, permanent supportive housing, behavioral health care, and clinical case management.
To find housing placement with Renaissance, you must first register with the Chicago Coordinated Entry System (CES). Learn more and register with CES by visiting the Coordinated Entry System and access points to complete a housing assessment.
For more details about Renaissance Social Services, call (773) 645-8900 or visit the Renaissance contact page.
RentAssistance provides a directory of rental assistance agencies and organizations that will help you pay your rent. Some listings are government organizations other are non-profits and charities that offer rental assistance programs.
Each organization has its own eligibility rules and conditions and you are encouraged to call directly to find out what you need to do.
Renter and Homeowner Resources from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPD) offers a variety of resources for homeowners and renters. Resources include information about tenant rights, assistance for landlords, mortgage assistance, rent assistance, utility assistance and more.
This resource directory from the Illinois Early Learning Project provides contact information, descriptions of programs, state agencies, and non-profit organizations in Illinois that provide support for families of young children experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.
The directory includes food resources, housing resources, clothing and diaper resources and more.
Resource Guide “When a Child Dies: Planning Acts of Love and Legacy”
The loss of a child is never easy. The Funeral Service Foundation’s free guide “When a Child Dies: Planning Acts of Love & Legacy” offers guidance, support and inspiration to families saying goodbye. Topics include:
- The funeral planning process
- Talking with children about death
- Ideas for planning a meaningful tribute
- Carrying forward and dealing with your grief
For questions, please visit the Funeral Service Foundation’s Contact Us page.
Resources for Inclusion in Physical Activity for Youth with Disabilities
The National Center on Health, Physical Activity, and Disability (NCHPAD), at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Health Professions, provides individuals with disabilities, families and caregivers, professionals and communities with information, research and the tools needed to promote health and create inclusive environments for all.
NCHPAD offers videos and resources for children and adults with disabilities and mobility limitations on topics including:
- Fun and leisure
- Physical activity
- Healthy eating and nutrition
- Mindfulness and more
For questions, please email nchpad@uab.edu or call (866) 866-8896.
Rincon Family Services offers a wide range of support to individuals and families across Chicagoland. Programs and services include counseling, case management, violence prevention, education, and substance use prevention and treatment services.
Rincon Family Services community programs also include:
- Rental assistance and eviction prevention
- Immigration integration
- A construction pre-apprenticeship program and more
For questions, please contact Rincon Family Services at rtinoco@rinconfamilyservices.org or (773) 564 -9070.