General Resources
Guidebook on Reasonable Accommodations and Modifications
The Illinois Department of Human Rights and Access Living provide a “Reasonable Accommodations and Modifications: A Guide for Housing Professionals.”
In accordance with the Federal Fair Housing Act, this book provides guidance and clarification on the accommodations and modifications that must be made in housing for persons with disabilities and their family members.
HealthyChildren.org’s “Childhood Grief: When to Seek Additional Help”
Many children experience the death of a close family member or friend at some point during their childhood. The American Academy of Pediatrics’ website HealthyChildren.org provides information for parents about childhood grief, ways to help your child, and where to find support.
The information includes:
- Signs your child may need more help
- Important information about tweens
- Resources for more information
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.
- Helping Hands of Springfield is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides homeless services to single adults 18 and older. It provides a shelter and supportive services, including individualized case management, advocacy and referrals, representative payee services, and shower facilities. It also provides assistance with obtaining prescriptions, identification services, and employment assistance.
If you are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of being homeless, call (217) 522-0048. For other housing-related needs, please call 211.
HIPP Program Tip Sheet and Application
The Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) Program pays health insurance premiums for some children who have high medical costs and who have private health insurance available.
This HIPP Program Tip Sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) explains the program’s availability and how to apply. (The HIPP Tip Sheet is also available in Spanish.)
You can also find copies of the HIPP Program application in English and HIPP Program application in Spanish.
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 Care Appeal and Peer-to-Peer Review Tip Sheet
The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) is the operating agency for the Home Care Program. The Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) completes required reviews and determinations regarding a participant’s eligibility for Home Care services.
This tip sheet from DSCC explains how the review and determination of medical eligibility for Home Care services works. It also outlines how to file appeals for any decision made by HFS that denies, reduces, changes or terminates benefits for you or your child. (English or Spanish)