Resource Directory /

General Resources

  • Housing Forward

    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.

  • 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.

  • How to Fill Out DSCC Forms in Spanish

    There are a number of forms that our Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) participants must fill out. We’ve created three instructional videos to help our Spanish-speaking families fill out some of our most commonly used forms. These videos provide step-by-step instructions:

  • How to Help Children Build Resilience in Uncertain Times

    HealthyChildren.org’s How to Help Children Build Resilience in Uncertain Times provides information on the feelings many of us experience during uncertain times and how they provide a chance to model and teach lifelong resilience skills to children.

  • ILHousingSearch.org

    ILHousingSearch.org is a free bilingual online resource for renters and property providers in Illinois.

    You can search for affordable, accessible and market-rate housing to fit your needs and budget.

    For additional assistance, call (877) 428-8844  (toll-free) Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dial 7-1-1 for TTY.

  • Illinois ABLE

    IL ABLE (Illinois Achieving a Better Life Experience) accounts make it possible for people with disabilities and their families to save and invest for expenses related to living with a disability without losing, or losing access to, federal means-tested benefits such as SSI, SSDI and Medicaid. Earnings and withdrawals are tax-free if they are spent on a broad range of qualified disability expenses including housing, health and wellness, education and training, therapy, basic living expenses and more.

    For more information:

    • Call (888) 609-8683, Monday – Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Support is provided for non-English speakers as well as deaf and hard-of-hearing callers.
    • Email il.clientservice@savewithable.com.

  • Illinois Assistive Technology Program

    The Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP) provides expertise in assistive technology and accessible information technology to all Illinois residents of all ages with disabilities and/or health conditions including family members, friends and caregivers.

    IATP provides assistive technology demonstrations and allows people to see, try and borrow devices before making a purchasing decision. IATP also allows people to donate or obtain gently used assistive technology devices.

    IATP also offers classes and help in finding the right AT devices for your needs:

    • Tech Kitchen offers cooking classes in a home-style kitchen showcasing accessibility and adapted tools. Classes are for individuals 14 and up with any disability.
    • Smart Home Technology features a five-room interactive Smart Home display highlighting home automation. Experts in assistive technology can discuss your needs and help you compare different AT devices. This program focuses on serving individuals receiving services from the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation Services (IDHS-DRS).
    • IATP Makers provides custom AT devices and open-source 3D printer files for Illinois residents.

    For questions, visit the contact page on IATP’s website.

  • Illinois Association of Free and Charitable Clinics

    Illinois Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (IAFCC) foster partnerships aimed at improving access to quality healthcare for low-income individuals who are uninsured or underinsured. IAFCC provides webinars, resources for patients, and a statewide directory of free and charitable clinics.

     

  • Illinois Association of Medicaid Health Plans Toolkits and Resources

    The Illinois Association of Medicaid Health Plans (IAMHP) provides tips and tools to help Medicaid enrollees maintain their coverage. IAMHP also provides several toolkits and brochures for Medicaid members, including:

    • The Illinois Medicaid MCO (Managed Care Organization) Transportation Toolkit to help members with scheduling transportation for medical appointments. It is available in English and Spanish.
    • The IAMHP Medicaid Benefit Brochure to guide current and future Medicaid members to understand the comprehensive benefits the Medicaid program provides, the added benefits of being enrolled in Medicaid managed care and how to enroll in each program. It is available in English and Spanish.
    • The MCO Maternal Benefits Toolkit to help pregnant people on Medicaid understand their maternal health benefits.
    • The MCO Maternal Health Toolkit to help support pregnant people and families on Medicaid with resources to support mental health conditions that arise during and after pregnancy.

    You can find these toolkits and more resources on the IAMHP website.

  • Illinois Attorney General Health Care Helpline

    The Illinois Attorney General Health Care Bureau has a toll-free helpline that allows consumers to ask questions, file complaints or request assistance. You can call the Health Care Helpline at (877) 305-5145. Individuals with hearing or speech disabilities can reach it by using the 711 Relay Service.

    Health Care Bureau attorneys conduct investigations and file lawsuits to enforce consumer protection laws. This brochure provides information on how their staff members can assist consumers in many areas, including:

    • Denial of coverage or treatment
    • Concerns about healthcare providers
    • Billing disputes and recovering unfair out-of-pocket expenses
    • Navigating the health insurance appeals process
    • Understanding your health care rights and consumer protection laws
    • Correcting health plan or provider errors

    For more information, the Illinois Attorney General provides brochures, including: