Meals and Financial Assistance Resources
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The Findhelp.org website allows individuals to search and connect to support no matter where they live. Share your zip code to find area resources that include financial assistance, housing, food pantries, medical care, transportation and other free or reduced-cost help.
211 – Help During the COVID-19 Pandemic
If you need assistance finding food, paying housing bills or other essential services, visit www.211.org/get-help/help-during-covid-19-pandemic or dial 211.
311 provides assistance with non-emergency city services and information on events, programs and agencies within the city of Chicago. Individuals may call or access the 311 website and mobile app to:
- Create and track service requests
- Find rent or housing assistance
- Learn about the HomeMod Program that provides accessibility modifications for Chicago residents
- Search and get information on other requests in your neighborhood
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) developed this flyer to provide Housing Choice Voucher, Public Housing, and Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation participants with important information and resources about paying rent during the national emergency concerning the coronavirus pandemic.
HUD also provides Resources for Renters which includes:
- Eviction prevention resources
- HUD-certified housing counselors
- Fair housing resources and discrimination help
- Emergency rental assistance
Ameren Illinois Economic Hardship Recovery Program
Ameren Illinois’ Economic Hardship Recovery Program provides information on various energy assistance programs, payment options and tips on lowering your utility bill.
This step-by-step resource includes information on:
- Assistance paying your energy bills, applying for financial assistance and eligibility guidelines
- Exploring payment options
- Tips for lowering future energy bills and energy efficiency programs
Click here for a list of assistance programs statewide, including Warm Neighbors Cool Friends (WNCF), a program designed to help moderate-income seniors and families who have temporarily experienced a hardship but may not meet the guidelines of government programs.
For more information, contact Ameren Illinois at (800) 755-5000 (residential customers) or (800) 232-2477 (business customers).
American Rescue Plan Expanded Child Tax Credit
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has information for families on the American Rescue Plan expanded Child Tax Credit. With recent changes, families can qualify for more money and can receive payments monthly instead of having to wait until the end of the year. Payments will automatically arrive starting on July 15 for most families. Some families may need to take action to receive the benefit.
AAP offers a flyer in English and Spanish that explains:
- The credit
- Who is eligible
- The next step that parents may need to take
Click here for the flyer in English. Click here for the Spanish version.
Aurora Community Resources for Displaced Residents
The City of Aurora provides information on a wide variety of resources including housing, food, clothing and legal assistance.
Available Benefits Under the American Rescue Plan Act
The Illinois Department of Human Services in collaboration with the Illinois Commission on Poverty and Economic Security has put together a summary document listing new benefits that are now available to individuals and families through the recent passage of the American Rescue Plan Act.
The types of benefits include stimulus checks, earned income tax credits, child tax credit, unemployment insurance, rental or mortgage assistance and food, cash, childcare and/or medical support.
Bill Assistance Programs in Springfield
Springfield’s City, Water, Light and Power provides a list of financial assistance and loan program resources if you are having trouble paying your CWLP bill or other housing and utility costs.
At this time, the Foodbank’s 160 partner agencies largely remain open. Some are considering changes to their distribution models to enforce social distancing protocols to better meet the demands of their communities. If you or someone you know need food, you can find your nearest agency on their website.