McHenry County assistance programs.

Help with bills, rent, prescription medicines, and more

If you are one of the many people who need helps making rent, buying prescriptions, or paying for utility bills, the Crystal Lake Salvation Army is one resource that can assist, and is a place to turn to.

The local social service agency offers an Emergency Assistance program, which will provide vouchers to families and individuals who need short-term financial help or emergency funds to pay for unexpected expenses. Most often, the vouchers the salvation army will provide pays for food, clothing and prescriptions medications, and the money will also help people avoid an eviction. Find additional ways to get help with medical and hospital bills, including tips for how to negotiate hospital bills.

The office is located at 290 W Crystal Lake Ave, Crystal Lake. Phone (815) 455-2769.

Get free diapers

Diapers are very expensive for low income families, and there are few places to get them for free. The St. Paul Diaper Bank Partnership of McHenry County has a program that changes that. This organization is now distributing free diapers to food pantries, charities, and other various agencies across the county. It is one of only a few assistance programs statewide that provide such a service. The program is catching on, as more than 30 churches and other groups have pledged to donate diapers to be distributed. Phone 815-338-7360.

Diapers are not covered by federal and state assistance programs, experts say. In addition, food stamps can't be used to pay for diapers, and the Women, Infants and Children programs often do not provide them to low income families.

 

 

 

In addition, food banks and other charities don't always offer diapers as they are more expensive, and when they have them in stock, they tend to go fast as the demand is great.

Currently, the options for those who can't afford to pay for diapers are limited. what makes it challenging as well is experts that say for a variety of reasons cloth diapers aren't workable for most low-income families. Some reasons why include the fact that many Laundromats won't allow people to wash their soiled cloth diapers, and also day-care centers usually require the disposable variety for kids they watch.

Some other places to get free diapers include Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry in Naperville. That organization is one of the lucky few that can offer diapers to clients and others who need them.

McHenry Illinois emergency assistance for bills and expenses

Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Rockford offers Outreach & Emergency Services, Crisis Pregnancy Program, and other aid. 815-344-6956.

McHenry County, Woodstock, and Crystal Lake Salvation Army offer several services and programs to those in need of help. They can refer people to local charities and non-profits, offer food, and may have limited financial assistance for rent and other bills.

Receive energy bill help, both money to pay bills and home improvements to save energy, from the community action agency. Call them at (815) 338-7752. The two different services and programs are the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) as well as the weatherization program.

 

 

Help with paying rent

Receive rent assistance, funds to prevent an eviction, money for security deposits, and even utility bill help from the McHenry County Housing Authority. They provide tenants with grants from the Homeless Prevention and Rapid-Rehousing Program (HPRP). The grants can pay up to 18 months worth of rent. Phone number (815) 338-7752.

Other housing programs and agencies also offer rent assistance in the area. There are about ten different organizations to call for information on their programs and/or direct cash aid. Find rent assistance in McHenry County.

Bankruptcy, debt, and foreclosure assistance

Consumer Credit Counseling Service of McHenry County offers free counseling, budgeting skills, education, money management services, debt management plans, and foreclosure advice. Debt and housing counselors will work one on one with the client to explore various options and programs for dealing with credit card and medical debts, as well as foreclosure assistance programs. 815-338-5757. Also read more on Illinois mortgage programs.

Health and medical care services

Low income and other working individuals can access health care from Family Health Partnership Clinic. The Health Care Clinic provides its medical for the whole family. Some examples of the programs include check ups, cancer screenings, chronic disease management, physicals, and sick care. Low income, people who can’t afford medical bills, and the uninsured all can get assistance. Phone 815-334-8987

McHenry County Housing Authority, which can be reached at (815) 338-7752, offers health care programs that provide Dental Services, Vision and a Hearing Aid Program.