Chicago Illinois Assistance - Help needed for all bills

[LaveonBell]

Hello, my name is Latonia Gillespie I'm in Chicago Illinois. I am now a single mother of a 19-year-old that wants nothing more than to continue his college academics. Here's my story. Things were going well; I had a full-time job. Saving money, I had my son in the best Charter grade school. Then he had him in the best Charter HS. I kept him in summer, afterschool programs to keep him busy. He had a love of basketball he played during all his years in school. But I instilled in him his academics were most important. His 8th grade year, my mother became very sick. She had appointments after another, and my family seemed to have backed away. Nobody but myself and my sister who is on disability cared for my mother. I had to take her to every doctor’s appointment and during that time my son’s years in school with his academics had started to fail. I wasn’t supporting him like I should have because I was so busy with my mother.
I had called off so much that I lost my job as a full-time supervisor of 19 years. I had to find a part time job to care for my mom. In that time my son starts to grow he barely graduated 8th grade with the grace of God he made it. I got him in HS, and that's when things got worse for us all. My mother had gotten worse, my son’s transition to HS was terrifying and he was beginning to fail. I couldn’t keep up with my bills my sister was getting sick from time to time and no other family members stepped up. I thought I would lose my mind, I wanted to support my son, but I wanted to care for my mother. I only had a part time job. I wasn’t making much. I filed for food stamps I got very little, but I thank God every day for what I was getting.
They cut me now to only $19 a month. My son continues to play basketball because the coach had him under his wing. It was a tough HS charter school. Rules were enforced, structured and firm. He didn't do so well but I had to leave him there, I didn’t want him to end up on the streets. Finally, another coach a public school saw his talent and begged me to him transfer to his school. I did, and he wasn’t approved to play basketball for the school. My son got depressed he failed in all classes, I contacted the coach from former school, and he did whatever he had to do to get him back over there. He finally graduated and I was very proud. Though during these trying times his child support was covering most of the bills. He didn’t receive many scholarships none for academics but he was awarded about 2,000.00 that went towards his tuition.
He will not be able to continue college because I just can’t afford it. He worked this summer to help pay his tuition and he still has an unpaid balance. He is trying to transfer to a community college it may be cheaper but we can’t afford to pay the unpaid balance off. My truck needs so much repairs on it. I can’t drive it far; it needs so much work and tires. It's hard to get my mother’s prescriptions and other supplies she needs. My son is working to help me with these outstanding bills. I tried to have most of my bills consolidated I had to stop paying that I just can’t make ends meet. I finally became my mother’s caregiver which pays 380 every 2 weeks. I'm not complaining but it’s not enough to get things paid nor send my son back to college. I picked up another job in the mornings which is only 2 hrs. a day but its 45 minutes away and without a vehicle that will be impossible. A bus ride will be more time than the actual time I spend at the job. And the job only operates on Chicago Public School schedule.
I am in need of any help. I need my truck fix, bills paid, and help with my son getting back into college he wants to be a chiropractor. My mother is still bed sicken and can’t be left along, and my sister and I are doing all we can helping her but she has her own family and health issues and is very overwhelmed. If you can assist me in any way with grants or any information I would truly appreciate it. Thank you so much and God bless you.

[Admin - Jon McNamara]

Hi Jessica
We are going to send you a few options since your income is obviously very low (zero?) and Chicago has a lot of benefit options. First, look into the guide to government benefits in Chicago we have on the site.
The next option is our list of Chicago area charities, shelter options, food pantries and more - use this for where to get help in Chicago.

To whom it may concern,
I’m under extreme pressure ,lost my employment due to lack of work.
Had my car stolen.
Was homeless in Chicago but found a rental but can't pay rent this week of $400 and need food, transport for next 10 days as I have found employment but won't be paid till Wednesday week.
Wins is paying an emergency benefit next week that covers my rent and leaves me $40.
If I could have help of $400 so I can pay my rent for a room in Chicago and maybe $100 to cover food and transport I would be extremely grateful and would take enormous stress of me.
I would be very happy to make a payment arrangement to repay.
Your help would be awesome
Regards Jessica

[JeanPaul]

To whom it may concern,
I’m under extreme pressure ,lost my employment due to lack of work.
Had my car stolen.
Was homeless in Chicago but found a rental but can't pay rent this week of $400 and need food, transport for next 10 days as I have found employment but won't be paid till Wednesday week.
Wins is paying an emergency benefit next week that covers my rent and leaves me $40.
If I could have help of $400 so I can pay my rent for a room in Chicago and maybe $100 to cover food and transport I would be extremely grateful and would take enormous stress of me.
I would be very happy to make a payment arrangement to repay.
Your help would be awesome
Regards Jessica

[Admin - Jon McNamara]

We do have many resources focused on the Chicago area. We doubt you will be able to find (and move into) an apartment with a lower rental in a matter of weeks, but keep searching. As that may be a mid-long term solutions. Also look into disability for the 18 year old, contact job centers, and seeking other financial aid in Chicago by using this resource. http://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html ... tance.html

Hello-
As I was laid off my Job 11/2012, actively seeking employment since in Chicago (nothing yet)- trying to keep my chin up. I live with my 24 year old daughter (working part time) and my 18 year old Bipolar daughter. Unable to work and a stressful situation on it's own
So behind on my utilities, and Just paid October rent. I will not have the means to pay February's rent.
Went down to apply for financial help today, hoping to get expedited food stamps (No)- and because I get a small amount of child support - which they told me I'm not supposed to use, although Unemployment was cut 11/1/14... May be a while if I should be approved for Temporary Assistance (which would amount to about $200 a month - rent, I'm here since 2009 is $1,306 per month. Seeking lower rental - which is impossible - honestly, don't know what to do- no one to borrow from either.
I'm losing sleep, weight, and a total mess.. Any suggestions or help out there?
Hoping for any reply - Thank you.
Sincerely,

[Colleen]

Hello-
As I was laid off my Job 11/2012, actively seeking employment since in Chicago (nothing yet)- trying to keep my chin up. I live with my 24 year old daughter (working part time) and my 18 year old Bipolar daughter. Unable to work and a stressful situation on it's own
So behind on my utilities, and Just paid October rent. I will not have the means to pay February's rent.
Went down to apply for financial help today, hoping to get expedited food stamps (No)- and because I get a small amount of child support - which they told me I'm not supposed to use, although Unemployment was cut 11/1/14... May be a while if I should be approved for Temporary Assistance (which would amount to about $200 a month - rent, I'm here since 2009 is $1,306 per month. Seeking lower rental - which is impossible - honestly, don't know what to do- no one to borrow from either.
I'm losing sleep, weight, and a total mess.. Any suggestions or help out there?
Hoping for any reply - Thank you.
Sincerely,

[Aaron1]

Good afternoon,
I'm not sure I've reached the right person to answer my question ..... A friend of mine mine lives in Chicago. She is currently on long-term disability, and her place of employment never filed her paperwork to receive her money. Therefore, she is facing eviction at her home, which is a duplex, and does not know what to do. Her doctor who filed the disability for her is trying to contact the insurance company and her employer to expedite the processing of her paperwork. She suffered a car accident about one week ago, and is still suffering nausea and dizziness from the resulting crash. Financially, I am unable to help her at this time, but I'm trying to find someone to assist her in paying her rent. She lives in Chicago, IL 60642. If you can provide some information or insight on to any help she could receive, I'd be very grateful!
Thank you,

[C14]

I am located in Illinois and I am trying to find resources to help me out. I have one child who will be one in June and I am expecting another one in early October. I currently work as a cashier but it is taking a strong toll on my so I have to find another way to earn money. I know that the interviews I have been on have been good, except the fact that I am pregnant. I am looking for a good job to work and I need housing assistance and cash assistance the most.

[Admin - Jon McNamara]

Most utility companies in Chicago offer the Good Samaritan Initiative to help with utiltiy bills, and the City of chicago also offers the City Of Chicago Emergency Housing Assistance Program to provide rent help and free home repairs.

[wendimoore81]

How can I get help with rent, bills, heating bills, and utilities in Chicago. I have recently lost my job, my 401K is wiped out, and things are tough right now. I do think some companies may finally start hiring in Chicago, but I need some short term help. please amil me Thank you