Help from Catholic Charities in NE Illinois including DuPage and Will County.
The Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet supports residents in a number of counties in NE Illinois, including DuPage, Will, Grundy, Kendall, Kankakee, Ford and Iroquois. They provide emergency services that address housing, food, human services and more. Find details below on programs from Catholic Charities in the Will and Dupage County area.
The agency, often called CCDJ, is distinct for its wide geographic coverage and range of services. In a region that includes both suburban and rural communities, the organization has tailored programs to meet local, specific needs.
Emergency help for food, housing (rent/utilities) and other basic needs from CCDJ
CCDJ operates the Daybreak Center in Joliet, which provides emergency housing 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for individuals and families experiencing homelessness or crisis. This in effect an emergency shelter for the unhoused that anyone in the 7 county area can use. Daybreak Center is at 611 E. Cass Street, Joliet, IL 60432, call 815-774-4663.
- Daybreak is more than a place to sleep. Case managers help guests work on longer term solutions, such as finding permanent housing, applying for benefits, or connecting to employment resources. The center also operates Shepherd’s Table, a meal program where local churches and volunteers serve hot food to shelter residents and community members who cannot afford regular meals.
Homelessness Prevention services are administered. This service can provide free hotel vouchers; furniture vouchers; and limited financial assistance for paying rent or a mortgage. Another key is free information and referral to other community resources in the region, with more details here on emergency rental assistance today.
Transitional Housing programs provide supportive services and temporary housing to homeless families and their children. People facing imminent eviction may benefit from this program too. The service is offered while individuals work toward permanent housing and a quality of life that supports their needs. The program represents a unique partnership which joins the professional case management services of Catholic Charities of Will County and Joliet with the participating family. It is run in partnership with churches and other local charities.
Food help is another major focus. The diocese operates a Mobile Food Pantry program that brings groceries directly into neighborhoods across the region. Trucks, often in partnership with Northern Illinois Food Bank, distribute boxes of fresh and shelf stable items through drive-through events, rain or shine. Rather than expecting residents to travel long distances, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet brings the food directly to church parking lots, village centers, and other local sites. Families can review the current mobile pantry calendar at https://catholiccharitiesjoliet.org/mobile-food-pantry-dates/.
Permanent Supportive Housing and Other Housing Alternatives are offered for people with a disability that seriously limits their ability to function independently in the community. Clients will be placed in safe, yet affordable, apartments and homes throughout the region.
- In addition to the housing, other services provided include independent living skills training, case management, as welll as access to employment support. There is also financial literacy training, budgeting, money management, and Out of Poverty classes for people seeking a permanent home in NE Illinois.
Hispanic/Latino Services are offered for this community. Full time bilingual social workers are available at some Catholic Charity centers to serve and advocate with the Hispanic/ Latino community. They help with needed paperwork to get a job, coordinate ESL classes and help in other ways.
Attorneys can help lower income as well as elderly clients from Will or Dupage County of Catholic Charities. The service is known as “Elder Law”. Many elderly clients need home care or nursing services, or to enroll into representative payee programs. The charity can help. More on Elderly Law Attorneys for senior legal aid.
Information and Assistance is offered, and case managers can refer people to state of Illinois and federal government programs such as section 8, LIHEAP, and other public aid. Case managers from the Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet and neighboring centers can provide information and advice about the many services and government benefits available to older adults and families with children. Client advocacy and intervention services are also offered. More information on Illinois public assistance.
Debt or credit help and financial literacy services
The CCDJ Money Management Program can help people improve their overall financial health. It may provide budgeting, financial workshops, debt reduction plans, and information on saving money. Catholic Charities may have information on local Dupage County non-profit credit as well as mortgage counseling agencies. More on locating credit card debt elimination payment program.
Catholic Charities helps clients improve their financial skills as well as overall understanding (and management of money). Or there is help with clients in improving their credit. Or paying down debts (credit card, medical, automobile). A wide range of resources are offered, and learn more, or find free Illinois credit counseling relief organizations.
Catholic Charity resources for kids and the elderly in Will and Dupage County
A particularly strong feature of CCDJ’s regional footprint is its dedicated Aging & Disability division serving older adults 60 and over (and persons with disabilities aged 18-59). Care Coordination Services can offer frail, older adults and their family’s services to maximize the independence in their current home or apartment. Programs can help seniors address any needs for assistance with meal preparation, personal care, transportation, housekeeping, and emotional well-being.
Bill paying resources are offered for seniors and elderly. Qualified Will and Dupage County senior citizens can access money management services and other aid to low-income older persons who have difficulty budgeting, paying routine bills and keeping track of overall financial matters.
Programs for children, and especially Early Childhood Services, are offered to those who are from low income or less fortunate families and who are under five years of age. This includes Head Start. Programs from the Dupage County Catholic Charities include traditional Head Start and Early Head Start programs as well as affordable and high quality childcare.
- Through these programs children participate in social activities, education programs, and CCDJ will provide resources that can help them with basic needs. This includes free medical and dental care, accessd to healthy meals and snacks all within a safe and developmentally appropriate setting.
Will County and Dupage County Catholic charity centers
As noted, this church covers both Will as well as DuPage County as well as several other counties. There are free items given to the poor, referrals to loans and emergency financial assistance, and more from these Catholic Charity centers.
- DuPage County residents can try the center at 3040 Finley Rd., Downers Grove, IL 60515. Call 630-495-8008
- The main location is at 16555 Weber Road, Crest Hill, IL 60403. Call 815-723-3405.
- The Will County Catholic Charities may office is at 16555 Weber Rd., Crest Hill, IL 60403, phone 815-723-3405
- Offices in Kankakee, Ford, and Iroquois Counties are based at 100 College Drive, Kankakee, IL 60901, phone 815-933-7791
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