Meals and Financial Assistance Resources
Community Resources Compilation from the Illinois Housing Development Authority
The Illinois Housing Development Authority provides this list of community partners to help Illinois residents find food pantries, utility assistance, rental assistance, emergency housing, mortgage assistance, veterans assistance and more.
CommunityGlo is a free hot meal program dedicated to serving Knox County.
Meals are served one night a week. There are no eligibility requirements to use the program to receive meals.
To sign-up for meals, email communityglo61401@gmail.com or call (309) 299-1802. For more details, visit the CommunityGlo Facebook page.
Coronavirus Economic Stimulus Payments
The passage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act authorized the creation of stimulus checks for individuals and families under certain income thresholds. Most Illinoisans are eligible for these stimulus checks, though many did not receive them, leaving millions of dollars unclaimed.
Get My Payment IL Coalition is available to answer any and all stimulus payment questions. It provides a step-by-step process to follow in order to receive a stimulus check.
Coronavirus Tax Relief and Economic Impact Payments
The IRS is offering tax help for taxpayers, businesses, tax-exempt organizations and others affected by the coronavirus.
COVID Rent and Utility Assistance Programs in Lake County
Community Partners for Affordable Housing has information on emergency rent and utility assistance programs to help Lake County, Illinois households whose incomes have decreased due to COVID-19. Their website outlines the different programs and provides eligibility guidelines.
If you need help submitting your application, accessing computer equipment, are unsure which program may be better for you or have other questions, please contact Emergency Assistance Coordinator, Toni Martinez, at tmartinez@cpahousing.org or (847) 263-7478 ext 30.
COVID-19 Assistance for Southern Illinois Shawnee Health Service
COVID-19 Assistance for Southern Illinois Shawnee Health Service received a $250,000 grant from the Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund to serve the state’s most vulnerable residents. Shawnee Health Service is focused on deploying resources to Jackson, Williamson, and Union Counties. Assistance may be available to residents of other counties.
There are no restrictions on age or insurance coverage status. Anyone may request assistance, regardless of whether or not he or she is a patient or client of Shawnee Health Service. Grant funds will be used to assist southern Illinoisans with:
- Food and basic needs
- Temporary housing, rent, utilities, or mortgage
- Utility and financial assistance
- Out-of-pocket medical costs
If you would like to request assistance for yourself or on behalf of another person, please call Shawnee Health Service at (618) 519-9200.
In early April, FEMA will begin providing financial assistance for funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020, for deaths related to coronavirus (COVID-19) to help ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the pandemic.
COVID-19 Housing Resources Information
The Illinois Housing Development Authority continues to provide support and assistance programs for Illinois homeowners and renters. Its COVID-19 Housing Resources Information website provides the latest information.
COVID-19 Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
Information from the U.S. Small Business Administration regarding COVID-19 relief options.
Crosswalk Community Action Agency
Crosswalk Community Action Agency (CCAA) offers a variety of programs and services to help individuals and families in Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson and Williamson Counties. CCAA programs address the “day-to-day” needs and help individuals work to become self-sufficient.
Programs include:
- A Diaper Program
- Emergency Services
- Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)
- Food Pantry
- Homeless Prevention Services
- Home Repair and Rehabilitation
- Home Weatherization (IHWAP)
- Scholarships