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Assistance programs in Cook County and Chicago.

Find how to get financial help including money to pay back rent or an electric bill, housing services or free stuff. Locate social service agencies, charities as well as government offices across the city of Chicago and Cook County. The organizations provide grants, loans, free food or bus passes, car or auto repairs and more to low-income families. Find how to get financial help with bills near you in Chicago and Cook County.

The agencies all strive to provide both free items as well as emergency financial assistance to the low income, elderly, parents, single mothers and disabled among others. They also give out free personal or household stuff to the low income in Chicago, such as winter coats, school supplies, furniture, or even a free furnace or HVAC replacement unit.

Emergency help for electric, groceries, housing and other bills in Cook County

The Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County, Inc., often called CEDA, provides hardship grants to help pay bills. They offer Chicago and Cook County residents dozens of different assistance programs, including to low-income families, single adults, and the working poor..

  • Housing Assistance ranges from money to pay rent to mortgage relief and more. There are several different resources offered by the community action agency that people have available to them.  Mediation is for both tenants / landlords as well as homeowners / lenders, or get grant money to pay for housing costs, storage help and more.
     
  • Energy and utility bill help from community action helps pay for everything from winter heating costs to year round electric bills, including those from ComEd. There are also applications to federal LIHEAP grants as well as emergency aid to help seniors or the disabled in Cook County keep their power on when facing a hardship.
     
  • CEDA helps with food, including summer meals for kids out of school, referrals to pantries in Cook County and other programs, such as USDA commodities.

 

 

 

  • Head Start is the main Chicago area program for child development and early education. The case workers from Community and Economic Development Association operate this locally on behalf of the federal government.
     
  • A main goal is to also address long term needs, which is often around employment. CEDA works with government job training centers in Illinois, including Workforce Development centers as well as WorkNet. They help people find employment and/or train for a better career.

While the main office of Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County, Inc. is located at 567 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60661 they have several other locations throughout Cook County, including in Berwy, Robbins, Summit, and more. Call them at (312) 795-8844 or (312) 782-2332 to learn about resources and services they may have for your situation. Learn more on Community and Economic Development assistance programs.

Salvation Army of Cook County and Chicago. The charity administers several different assistance programs. As the agency has funding, they may help people pay heating and utility bills, rent, or give a free motel voucher. Free bus or train passes as well as gas cards are offered too in Chicago. There is also free Christmas toys for kids, food as well as other holiday assistance, and free food.

  • Free seasonal help is offered too. This will be a warm shelter during the winter as well as Summer Camp for kids. The homeless in Chicago can get a free meal or winter coat, or access counseling, substance rehab services and more.
  • Case management services are offered. They help Chicago IL families, including adults, improve their situation. This can be free clothes for a job interview, work uniforms, or access to a computer lab,

Most of the services are offered in emergency situations to low income families. Get locations of Salvation Army in Cook County and Chicago.

Emergency rental and security deposit help in Cook County and Chicago is available from both government affiliated and non-profit agencies. Any funds will be combined with case management and information on safe, low income apartments or transitional housing. Some grants may even be offered for first months rent or paying a portion of moving costs. Read more on Chicago rental programs.

 

 

 

Short term housing and homeless shelters are located across the city and Cook County. While the centers can provide residents a place to stay for a short period of time, more importantly social workers will help people who were evicted or who are homeless find and pay for permanent housing in Chicago or the suburbs. They also help keep the disabled, mentally ill and elderly warm in a crisis, even including emergency hotel vouchers. Find a place to stay if homeless using a voucher.

  • Individuals, including single adults or families in Chicago, can also use the various case management services that are available. Homeless people and those that need a place to stay will get employment assistance, job training, and credit repair type programs. Many of the locations also have information on security deposit and homeless prevention programs. More details on transitional housing and homeless shelters in Cook County.

Help in Chicago ILSociety of St. Vincent De Paul (dial 773-779-6700) is a charity made up of local parishes. Based on funding, get access to a wide range of assistance programs. Applicants may be able to receive funds to pay energy, water and heating bills. Or get emergency rent assistance from SVDP in Chicago and access to food and other household items. There is also bargains and low cost goods at a St. Vincent de Paul thrift store.

  • St. Vincent partners with many churches across Cook County and Chicago. While any funds they have for rent or heating/utility bills is limited, their main focus is on providing other services. For example, receive free food, Christmas meals and gifts, social services, access to a bargain thrift stores and food pantries. There are also free or low cost appliances or vouchers from the thrift store, furniture, beds and more. The main address is 2486 E Oakton St, Arlington Heights, IL 60005. Read more Chicago St. Vincent assistance.

Chicago Housing Authority runs the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, or section 8. They also have information on other social services for the less fortunate and low income. The main office can be reached at 312.742.8500 and the address is CHA Center, 60 E Van Buren St, Chicago, IL 60605. Note that for vouchers to pay a portion of your rent (section 8), there is usually a waiting list. CHA, or the Chicago Housing Authority, can provide referrals or guidance for some of the following.

  • Self-sufficiency services, including employment from FamilyWorks, side jobs, gig work and more. Locate side jobs to make money.
  • Information on utility assistance, with a focus on LIHEAP heating bill grants or hardship funds to pay power bills.
  • Loans for first time homebuyers or repairs to a residence.
  • Get details on low income housing in Cook County, including resources for paying a security deposit or first month’s rent. They help low-income families or single adults move into an affordable apartment.
  • Income based housing, some with no wait, for seniors or the disabled, and shared housing for single moms in Chicago.
  • Also get information on Affordable Child Care in Chicago, Senior Services, Medical Care Information, domestic violence programs and much more.

 

 

 

Emergency Fund - For decades the fund has provided a safety net and social services for Chicago's neediest residents. Their financial assistance program provides help to persons in need of free food, shelter, heating and utility bill payments. Or get money for light or gas bills. Get assistance with Peoples Gas bills in Chicago.

  • The fund also coordinates free dental checkups, prescription medication and other items. Many social service agencies distribute funds to low-income individuals and families in Chicago and Cook County.

The charity also helps with transportation needs, including details on free car or vehicles for single mothers and people with bad credit. Or get a free voucher to pay for the metro, “L system. Call (312) 379-0301 or click here to learn about the emergency fund in Chicago.

Social Services from Cook County DHS - If you are faced with a crisis, the Department of Family Services in Chicago offers a number of financial assistance programs. Free government grant money is offered. There also help families living in poverty, people with a disability, the unemployed and others. Get help with job finding or career counseling.

  • There are other government assistance programs for the low income and people who are struggling. Get help with applying for cash assistance, Medicaid, and EBT card from food stamps in Chicago and more. There is also free grant money for paying a bill or rent, and more. Learn more Chicago area public assistance programs.

Chicago Chesed Fund only supports the Lincolnwood part of the county. The non-profit will not discriminate based on their religion. They administer immediate financial help to the low-income, basic needs such as food or grocery boxess and clothing, as well as self-sufficiency. Dozens of programs are run.

  • Zero percent interest loans may be offered for certain expenses such as a security deposit, rent, or critical car repair.
  • The Fund works with partners such as the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Together they provide basic needs, including winter coats, free boxes of food, work or school clothing, baby formula, and other support.
  • Cash assistance may be offered for housing needs, such as rent, a mortgage payment or utility bill.
  • As noted, only families or individuals in Lincolnwood may qualify. Several other programs, including referrals to Cook County resources, are offered by the Chesed Fund of Chicago.

Assistance from Catholic Charities - This is one of the leading non-profit organizations in Cook County. They can distribute direct financial assistance for basic needs such as rent, homeless prevention, and food or free groceries, including baby formula. However they can really help by referring people to other government programs in the region. They run a free soup kitchen for hot meals, general counseling, and much more. Look here for organizations for free hot meals.

  • While applicants will need to meet qualifications, including they need to have a limited income, Catholic Charities will help people of all religions, backgrounds, and cultures. Other services offered include food items, free meals, or information on government and public assistance such as WIC and SNAP. A major focus is on single mothers, immigrants in Chicago and women facing DV. They also operate an intake and referral center. More on Chicago Catholic Charity programs.

Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago is a leading social service agency. They offer some human services for the entire county, regardless of religion or faith. Other aid may be only for those of the Jewish faith in the Chicago area. There are also free Meals on Wheels for the homebound and senior citizens in the city.

  • They advocate for the less fortunate, provide referrals, organize care for seniors, meals, and job training. Some financial support may be available, usually in the form of loans, for paying rent or other critical bills. Or learn about car loan programs, family support and other transportation. The main center is at 30 S Wells St, Chicago, IL 60606. Call 312-346-6700.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Churches and Family Services of Illinois operates across the county, state, and city of Chicago. It is one of the state’s leading non-profits. Some programs available include free clothes and basic needs from a thrift store. There is temporary help for veterans in Cook County, food, referrals and information on government benefits, and housing assistance. More on Church and Family Services of Illinois programs.

DFSS programs are wide ranging. This is one of the leading organizations in the Chicago area. Assistance is available for low income families, the elderly, veterans, and unemployed, among others. Anyone who is struggling can contact them. There are government benefits and public assistance applications in Chicago, including access online.

  • Dozens of programs are offered by DFSS. Among them include referrals, financial help for paying bills or housing, shelter, child care and more. During the cold winter months funds may be offered for paying heating and gas bills. Food and meals are served as well. There are also a few dozens offices across the county and city. Continue reading about the Department of Family Services for the low income in Chicago.

Almost 100 churches provide support in Cook County and all the neighborhoods in Chicago. The services provided will vary by parish, but any people of all religions and faiths can apply. the assistance includes the following.

  • Low cost or free furniture, clothes, and household items from thrift stores.
  • A church may offer help with energy bills, gasoline or housing costs, medications, and rent.
  • Free food, hot meals, and groceries.
  • Shelters, including cold weather sites to keep the homeless warm.
  • Many other resources are available, and more on Chicago church assistance programs.

Cathedral Shelter at Revive Center for Housing and Healing may have emergency rental assistance, free grocery boxes, help for seniors and more. Basic needs such as furniture, small kitchen appliances and household items may be distributed too. A focus is on homeless prevention, so overnight shelters and permanent housing such as Cressey House can help the very low income, single parents, and those facing eviction. There is also rent and electric bill deposit help. Location is 1668 West Ogden, Chicago, phone (312) 997-2222, or find resources from Cathedral Center.

Inner Voice focuses on housing issues. They operate shelters, transitional housing, and case managers can help with placement into a new, low income apartment in Chicago or Cook County. They also participate in resources such as the Chronic Homeless Initiative (which may offer rent or deposit help), offer assistance to veterans and run the Representative Payee program for seniors. Click here Chicago Inner Voice.

 

 

 

Free lawyers help the low-income in Chicago. There is legal support for housing, public benefits, and other civil needs is provided by pro-bono firms and some non-profits in the city and Cook County. Income qualified clients can receive help with applying for benefits such as SSI or SNAP food stamps. There is free advice for stopping evictions in Chicago, support for immigrants, and assistance for dealing with debt collectors, among other services. The lawyers give free consultations in Cook County. Learn more on Legal aid in Chicago.

  • If you can’t afford an attorney, the Chicago Volunteer Legal Services Foundation may be able to help. They provide free pro bono legal representation of individuals and other clients from the ranks of the city of Chicago area's poor, unemployed and working poor. Volunteer lawyers resolve non-fee-generating family, housing and foreclosure, consumer debts, or probate. They help older people create a will, or get consultations on tort, immigration, government benefits and miscellaneous legal cases. Dial (312) 332-1624 to learn more about legal programs, or click here state of Illinois legal aid.

Heartland Alliance offers free health care, housing, general assistance, and other human services. Address is 208 South LaSalle Street, Suite 1818, Chicago, telephone (312) 660-1300

Volunteers of America operates in Chicago and across Cook County. The non-profit organization administers many programs, with a focus on housing for low income families, the homeless and help for veterans as well as children.

  • They operate shelters, transitional housing, and affordable, low income housing units and apartments. So homes to lease are also for people in Chicago with bad credit. Look here for privately owned houses with no credit check.
  • The non-profit may have referrals to programs to help pay rental or utility deposits, moving expenses, or some back or first month rent costs.
  • Children can receive free school supplies (from Operation Backpack), holiday toys and food.
  • Resources for veterans in Cook County include job placement and more.
  • Various other programs are available. More on Illinois Volunteers of America.

New mothers and pregnant women can receive financial assistance and other support from Firman’s Family Case Management Program. The organization works with a number of non-profits in Chicago Illinois. It can provide baby supplies, such as diapers and formula. Healthcare can be obtained, as well as applications for government programs like WIC. Other programs include financial aid, Head Start, and much more for children. Continue with Firman’s Family Case Management Program.

Kids Above All - ChildServ works closely with government agencies in Cook County and Chicago. They offer child welfare services, applications for programs such as food stamps, and other services. Get information on resources such as WIC and Head Start programs in Illinois. They also offer free daycare vouchers. Call (773) 693-0300, or the address is 8765 W Higgins Rd Ste 450, Chicago, IL 60631.

Respond Now administers programs across almost 30 neighborhoods in southern Chicago. They coordinate transitional housing and emergency money for back rent as part of the network created by the Homeless Prevention Call Center. Also in high demand are vouchers for prescription medications, free school supplies, and rides for work or job interviews in Chicago. More on assistance from Respond Now.

 

 

 

Senior Services Area Agency on Aging provides assistance to seniors in the Chicago area. Call 312-744-4016. AgeOptions, Inc., which can be reached at 1-800-699-9043, offers help to the elderly in the suburbs and greater Cook County region.

  • Both of the organizations are non-profits and offer a number of assistance programs. They range from government health insurance (Medicare) and prescription plans, home delivered and congregate meals, part time employment opportunities from SCSEP, and much more. Learn about nursing home care, investing and living off a 401K and other programs. They can also provide information and referrals too. Read about assistance from Illinois Agency on Aging.

CRN Helplink only offers referrals, information, and similar support from the United Way. The line will help connect individuals and those in need with social service agencies and non-profits. Or learn about government assistance such as low income energy bill programs, or LIHEAP. Other support includes for mental health counseling, utility disconnection prevention, low-cost housing, dental needs and more. Call (312) 906-2350

Urban League of Chicago, or CUL, assists tenants, homeowners, the unemployed, and people looking for new skills. The HUD approved agency can help homeowners behind on their mortgage or tenants facing eviction. Numerous employment programs are offered as well in Cook County, such as Financial Empowerment Center and career counseling. They help people start a business, offer information on home buying services and other support. Continue with assistance programs from CUL.

Center of Concern is a leading non-profit that is involved in offering numerous services. They assist seniors, the unemployed, and disabled among others. Some of their programs are as follows.

  • Housing, including share accommodations or homeless prevention.
  • Assistance for seniors in Cook County, such as Telephone Reassurance, home check ins, or help in applying for Medicare. They also help low-income families get a free phone from the government or help with the bills, including from Lifeline. Read more on free cell phones in Illinois.
  • Other services include transitional housing, money for rent and heating bills, and more.

A major focus is on low-income senior citizens in Cook County. Continue with the Center of Concern programs.

Winter heating bills, furnace repairs, and related services - The cold Illinois winters cause many families pay to struggle with paying their heating, gas and energy bills. Others may need a new furnace. The city, county, and many utility companies can provide help, cash grants, and other resources. More on Chicago heating bill assistance programs.

  • Water bill payment plans - Customers who are faced with a shut off can enter into a payment plan or even find grants and cash assistance for paying water bills. DHS is also involved in this with non-profit agencies. Read more help with water bills in Chicago.

All Chicago is a non-profit made up of dozens of human and social service agencies. Using a combination of crisis as well as self-sufficiency grants, there may be emergency funds for basic needs and employment related expenses.

  • They also operate a call center that can link people to SNAP food stamps, solutions to repair a furnace or services such as free prescription drugs or eyeglasses. Other expenses can be paid too, and they offer self-sufficiency through the Learning Center. Read more All Chicago financial assistance.

Eviction prevention help - The two main resources are the Central Referral System (for Chicago residents) and the Homeless Prevention Call Center (for suburban families). Resources range from motel vouchers to rehousing into a permanent home. There may be financial help for rent arrears, moving costs, legal aid, and other expenses as well. Read eviction assistance in Chicago and Cook.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summer cooling assistance - There are a few programs available that can help low income families and senior citizens deal with the summer heat in Chicago. The state may distribute emergency financial and utility bill assistance for paying air conditioning bills. Other resources include free fans and so called cooling centers that are open across the city and the county as well. More on cooling help and fans in the city of Chicago.

Referrals from the Jewish service of J-HELP are for struggling families, regardless of their religion. The charity has a database of thousands of social services providers in Cook County and Chicago. While in some cases they offer emergency grants for bills, medical needs or rent, a key focus is on employment. They can coordinate legal aid, mental health counseling, delivery or meals and more. The number is 312-357-4949, or more on J-HELP services.

Housing assistance from Connections for the Homeless - They provide emergency money for rent or utility bill from homeless prevention as well as other solutions. Disabled residents of Cook County may be eligible for Permanent Supportive Housing, and Hilda Place is a transitional housing service for single parents, men, and women. The low income can also get clothing, personal hygiene, and other items from EntryPoint, so many programs are run. Click more Connections for the Homeless.

Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership: - Low to moderate income families and also single parents can get help finding a job in Chicago from this agency. Participants in this self-sufficiency program will receive job training, education, employment assistance, resume assistance, as well as case management. They also offer information on free car giveaways in Chicago IL as well as bus or metro assistance programs

  • There is also free government internet services as well as computer access (or a laptop) for working from home. Or access counseling for up to five years as they learn to achieve and maintain an independent, self sufficient lifestyle. And having a secure, stable job is a priority so people can provide for their families. The main office is at 69 W. Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602. Call (312) 603-0200, or learn more on free government internet assistance for low income households.

Chicago Illinois area places for free stuff

Free basic needs, clothes, school supplies, and furniture - Some centers in Cook County may not have financial assistance, but they provide other forms of help. Free clothing closets may distribute free clothes for kids or adults, birthday gifts or toys, winter coats, and work clothes. There are also free furniture banks for household items. They will also offer case management, including career counseling programs and referrals to government resources. More on free clothes, furniture and school supplies in Chicago.

  • Furniture rental places are also in Cook County. People with no or bad credit, or no money for upfront costs, can use the centers. Appliances, couches and other goods are offered, and learn more on how to rent furniture with no credit check.

Seasonal school supply events are held across the city and County. Students from low income households may be given everything they need including a haircut, free school supplies, bags, books, clothes, and more. Back to School Illinois coordinates many of them across the city of Chicago. Find more information on Chicago free school supplies.

Lions Club – You need to have a referral from a social service organization. The center may be able to help the low income and homeless obtain free furniture, household items and clothing. There are multiple locations. Call 630-571-5466.

Free holiday and Christmas programs are available for low income and struggling families, with a focus on assisting children in both Cook County and Chicago. Most of the programs are run by non-profits, such as Catholic Charities and Santa VP. They also rely heavily on donations from the community. More details on free Christmas help in Chicago and Cook County.

 

 

 

Food pantries and free food banks

Feeding America - Project HOPE serves the Cook County and Barrington region of Illinois. They provide emergency food vouchers, groceries, and access to a food pantry for low income residents. Phone (312) 263-2303. There will be holiday food baskets, Ensure for the elderly, diapers, formula for new parents and more. Additional food banks and centers in the Cook County and Chicago region include

  • Inner-City Missions Network offers food boxes, hot meals, and other social services. There is a free soup kitchen to feed the homeless, hygiene supplies and other goods. Call (708) 417-6226. The location is 7445 S South Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60619.
  • Several Saint Vincent De Paul food pantries provide free groceries, canned goods, clothing, financial help, and more. Telephone (773) 436-2558. Location is 5533 S Sawyer Ave, Chicago, IL 6062.
  • Uncle Shack Food Blessing serves a more limited region in Chicago. Phone number is (773) 863-0995.
  • Will Feed Community Organization ((773) 651-9220) may serve hot meals, offer free Christmas assistance, have winter coats, lunches for children, and provide other low income programs. Location is  6401 S Sangamon St, Chicago, IL 60621.

Dozens of other non-profits pantries, soup kitchens and food banks operate in the city and county. Free groceries today for the low-income, personal toiletries and more is offered. Get a list of free food pantries and assistance in Cook County and Chicago, and find how to apply.

Free credit counseling, debt reduction and mortgage help in Chicago and Cook County

Get one on one help from a credit or mortgage counselor from MMI (formerly Consumer Credit Counseling of Greater Chicago). Call them at (312) 443-1326. They offer face to face, phone, and internet services. Get access to debt and credit counseling, budgeting, financial management, foreclosure prevention, and bankruptcy advice. They help people rebuild their credit scores too. There is car loan payment help, information on refinance a credit card or auto loan and other budgeting as well as debt consolidation tools. The address is 401 Michigan Ave #1200, Chicago, IL 60611.

American Consumer Credit Counseling, Inc. is another non-profit debt and credit counseling agency that is a non-profit, HUD approved. The location is 875 N Michigan Ave Ste 3100, Chicago. Call (312) 373-3711.

Foreclosure prevention - Lake and Cook County Housing Case Management can help people both looking to buy their home, and also stop a foreclosure in Chicago. The Catholic Charity agency offers first time home buyers' education and access to funding. They also provide foreclosure prevention counseling as well as mortgage default assistance.

  • Or get low-interest rate loans for buying a home, or learn about modification programs. Last, but not least, the agency can provide individuals with budget and debt counseling for clients experiencing financial difficulties and hardships. Call (847) 782-4000.

Chicago and Cook County - The city of Chicago and Cook County have non-profit agencies that help homeowners. There are also neighborhood service organizations that administer programs that provide mortgage as well as foreclosure help, including free advocacy and legal advice. Any struggling borrower can drop in.

  • Another HUD agency to turn to for mortgage and foreclosure help is Neighborhood Housing Services. This non-profit agency offers access to several foreclosure programs. Learn more Neighborhood foreclosure assistance programs.
  • Some mortgage companies, such as Fannie Mae, have also opened counseling/help centers in Chicago. Only those borrowers can use them. Click here information on Fannie Mae in Chicago.

 

 

 

Spanish Coalition for Housing (SCH), which can be reached at (773) 933-7575, offers foreclosure prevention services to Cook County homeowners. Learn about second mortgages, subsidized housing for seniors, and free home repair loans from HUD. They can even provide information on such programs as the Illinois hardest hit loan program. All applications are in Spanish too. The address is 9010 S Commercial Ave, Chicago, IL 60617

Programs such as the Home Ownership Preservation Initiative (HOPI) provide borrowers in the area with services. Learn more about free foreclosure assistance in Chicago.

Find the phone numbers, addresses, and details on the services offered by additional credit counseling agencies across Chicago and Cook County.

Free medical and health care

Access Community Health Network: This facility has a variety of health programs and resources that are affordable. ACCESS services are comprehensive and will meet the needs of low income, homeless in Chicago and other struggling families. People with no money or health insurance can get free medical or dental. They also have information on medication programs, such as from RX outreach. Call 1.866.267.2353.

The Children’s Clinic: This organization is a place that patients in need of medical help can find top quality medical, basic dental and health care. Physicals, dental checkups, therapy and more is offered. Receive dental care for your child as well. Dial (708) 848-0528. The address is 28 Madison St, Oak Park, IL 60302.

A number of other not for profit hospitals and free government qualified health and dental centers operate in Chicago and Cook County. Find details on other Chicago free community healthcare clinics.

 

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By Jon McNamara

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