Meals and Financial Assistance Resources
Illinois Access to Justice Rental Assistance & Eviction Resources in Illinois
Illinois Access to Justice provides information on available rental assistance programs in Illinois, where to find legal help if you’re facing eviction and an overview of your rights as a tenant living in Illinois.
Visit its Rental Assistance and Eviction Resources page for more details. Information is available in English and Spanish.
Illinois Emergency Rental Assistance Programs
The Illinois Emergency Rental Assistance Programs webpage provides updated information about COVID-19 emergency rental assistance programs throughout Illinois. Information is available in multiple languages and includes:
- Programs that are currently open
- Type of assistance provided
- Eligibility requirements
- Where to apply
- How to apply and the documentation needed
A roundup of helpful information, including funding, education, housing, immigration, food and more for the Latino community.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible low-income households pay for home energy services (primarily heating during winter months).
Illinois residents with a household income that does not exceed an amount determined annually by the Department of Commerce are eligible. The program determines annual eligibility levels based on available funding and may not exceed 200 percent of the federal nonfarm poverty level.
See the How to Apply for LIHEAP page for more information. To help find an office serving your area, visit this complete list of LIHEAP application agencies based on county.
For more program information, check out the LIHEAP frequently asked questions or call the Help Illinois Families Call Center at (833) 711-0374.
Menard County Housing Authority – Housing Choice Voucher Program and Other Programs
The Menard County Housing Authority provides the Housing Choice Voucher Program, Project-Based Vouchers, Tenant Protection Vouchers, and Emergency Housing Vouchers in Alexander, Bond, Casey, Clinton, Coles, Crawford, Douglas, Fayette, Jackson, Jasper, Livingston, Macoupin, Massac, Menard, Monroe, Moultrie, Perry, Pulaski, Randolph, Scott and Wabash counties.
The website also includes resources for Menard County residents for help with food, utilities, employment, education, and other programs and services.
For more information and to apply, visit www.menardcha.org. You can also call (217) 632-7723.
Mid Central Community Action (MCCA) provides support, advocacy, and education for individuals and families in McLean and Livingston Counties. MCCA works to eliminate domestic violence, combat homelessness, and create a community hub for financial stability.
The free Mobile Rx Pantry Program in Freeport distributes healthy produce, milk, eggs, and frozen and canned meats to participants who may be experiencing food insecurity.
Northern Illinois Food Bank has launched My Pantry Express, an online source for groceries. The program allows families in need of food assistance to choose specific grocery items and pick them up at a preferred participating location.
Pickup locations are available in the following counties: DeKalb, DuPage, Lake, Will, Winnebago.
Navigating Financial Health During Difficult Times
The National Disability Institute (NDI)’s Financial Resilience Center provides resources and assistance to help those with disabilities and chronic health conditions navigate financially through difficult times, like the COVID-19 crisis. The website features videos and resources on topics including employment and unemployment, public benefits, housing, managing money and Social Security benefits.
NDI’s Financial Resilience Center also includes:
- The “Faces of Financial Wellness” video series featuring individuals from Illinois sharing their experiences in Spanish
- A financial wellness toolkit in English and Spanish/ Recursos en Español
- Videos and financial resources designed for individuals who are deaf and hard-of-hearing
Northeast Community Fund in Decatur
Northeast Community Fund helps families in the Decatur and Macon County community with food, clothing, household goods and funding for utility payments, obtaining IDs, baby formula and wipes, emergency lodging and prescription medicines. The organization’s food pantry provides monthly food baskets to those in need. It also operates a microfinance program and a program for families to work with a staff member and mentor to achieve short- and long-term goals to move towards self-sufficiency.