Resource Directory /

Meals and Financial Assistance Resources

  • CommunityGlo Meal Program

    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.

  • 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
  • Decatur Public Schools COVID-19 Information

    Decatur Public Schools’ Return to Learn website provides information on how the district ill deliver meals to students’ homes during the first quarter of the 2020-21 school year, while students are participating in virtual learning.

  • Diverse Learners Recovery Fund

    The Diverse Learners Recovery Fund is a lottery-style grant program for Chicago families with children with disabilities offered through the Chicago Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities and Ada S. McKinley Community Services, Inc. The fund will provide one-time grants of $500 to up to 8,000 eligible K-12 students through a lottery. Families must submit an application and complete the verification process to participate. The deadline to apply is Oct. 30, 2024.

    The Diverse Learners Recovery Fund program will select recipients through three lottery drawings on the following dates:

    • July 1, 2024
    • Sept. 16, 2024
    • On or after Nov. 30, 2024

    The program will notify selected applicants by email. Verified applications that are not chosen will be included in the next drawing.

    Submitting an eligible application does not guarantee you will receive the funds.