Social Services Resources
Help Illinois Families Emergency Relief Initiative
Help Illinois Families expands on the existing Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Community Services Block Program (CSBG). New eligibility thresholds make Help Illinois Families available to more individuals and families. If you meet the income requirements and submit your application, you may be eligible for emergency assistance to cover the costs of utility bills, rent, temporary shelter, food and other household necessities.
LIHEAP helps eligible low-income households pay for home energy services. This includes assistance with heating, gas, propane and electricity. The last day to apply online with the Request for Services form is April 15. After that date, you can still apply through your local administering agency through May 31 2022.
CSBG offers Illinoisans an opportunity to receive support for an array of essential services including rent assistance, food, temporary shelter, medicine and more. CSBG applications are avaialble year-round.
This initiative remains available for all qualifying households with low income, regardless of how they may be affected by COVID-19. Eligible families may qualify for hundreds of dollars of support.
- Helping Hands of Springfield is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides homeless services to single adults 18 and older. It provides a shelter and supportive services, including individualized case management, advocacy and referrals, representative payee services, and shower facilities. It also provides help to obtain prescriptions, identification services, and employment assistance.
If you are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of being homeless, call (217) 522-0048. For other housing-related needs, please call 211.
Homeless Assistance Community Contacts
Illinois has many designated Continuum of Care agencies in local communities that can help people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness to find affordable housing in local communities.
Homeless Prevention Program in Illinois
The Homeless Prevention Program in Illinois provides rental/mortgage assistance, utility assistance, approved case management and approved supportive services directly related to the prevention of homelessness to eligible individuals and families who are in danger of eviction, foreclosure or homelessness or are currently homeless. The program is designed to stabilize individuals and families in their existing homes, shorten the amount of time that individuals and families stay in shelters and assist individuals and families with securing affordable housing.
Contact a Homeless Prevention Provider from the list to receive services.
Housing Forward’s mission is to transition people from housing crisis to housing stability. It offers a full range of programs and services that include emergency assistance, prevention and stabilization services; employment readiness; supportive housing; and homelessness prevention.
Housing Forward serves the following 21 communities in west Cook County: Bellwood, Berkeley, Berwyn, Broadview, Chicago (Austin), Cicero, Elmwood Park, Forest Park, Forest View, Franklin Park, Hillside, Maywood, Melrose Park, Northlake, Oak Park, River Forest, River Grove, Schiller Park, Stickney, Stone Park and Westchester.
In addition, Housing Foward serves clients who choose to live in Brookfield, Lyons, North Riverside, Riverside and LaGrange through its supportive housing programs.
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 Life Span’s COVID-19 Resources
Resources for Illinois residents with developmental disabilities. The topics include general COVID-19 information, Illinois Department of Human Services Developmental Disabilities Services and Supports information and webinar recordings on COVID-19 issues and services.
WIC has services to support families during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Kumler Outreach Ministries provides help to neighbors who are struggling in the greater Springfield, Illinois area. Programs include a food pantry, medicine program, neighborhood gardens, free personal hygiene items, diapers and newborn items.
A roundup of helpful information, including funding, education, housing, immigration, food and more for the Latino community.