Kankakee County St. Vincent de Paul assistance programs.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Kankakee County is a charity organization of people and partners such as churches of diverse faiths. Various groups and volunteers across Kankakee County have gathered together to assist people in need. They offer guidance, emergency assistance and encouragement as they work toward living independently and within the scope of their own resources.
The scope of what is offered is limited, and both relies on donations as well as the sale of items from the thrift store. Even if a client can't be assisted, they can often be referred to partner agencies in the region.
Emergency assistance programs from Kankakee County St. Vincent de Paul
Kankakee County St. Vincent de Paul Emergency Assistance may allow partial payments for some of the following expenses. There may be financial help for utilities, rent, security deposit for housing, water bills and work related assistance.
The support from SVDP targets those who might be falling through the system’s cracks, such as the working poor who have catastrophic illnesses, people who are dealing with temporary crisis situations, or children that just need a little guidance and/or supplies. This is a program that offers a hand up, rather than a hand out.
Based on an interview with each client, the programs listed above will try to provide vital financial assistance. Or, if not possible, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul will give out referrals to other community service providers, as needed, including energy bill help in Illinois. No matter what is given out (if anything) SVDP parishes believes that those who receive financial assistance have the responsibility to make an effort to end their dependence on support from a charity or the government and work toward becoming more independent.
The goal of any aid from the charity is to help the client identify and resolve the core problem, whether it’s alcoholism, depression, excessive debt, lack of budgeting skills, and/or lack of appropriate education and training. Once that core issue is resolved, it’s much easier to tackle the other problems.
Note that applicants who receive every government subsidy or apply for help, with no desire to change the situation or to make the effort to follow through with agreed-upon plans, will not receive Emergency Assistance from St. Vincent de Paul in Kankakee County.
A private fuel funding program administered by SVDP is for qualifying households whose electricity has been disconnected. Or there may be help for those whose power is at risk of being disconnected in the near future. When possible, there may also be financial aid to pay for the deposit to have power turned on.
As with all resources from the charity, assistance is provided on a case-by-case basis. Applicants from across Kankakee County must be able to show that special circumstances exist, and electricity must be the home’s primarily heating source. Any grant paid out is limited to once per year, with benefit amounts limited as well.
SVDP Food Pantry offers groceries and meals to families in need. Many people are requesting help for the first time in their lives, often due to unforeseen crises, such as illness, injury, or job loss. Food is available on a once-per-month basis, with amounts dependent on the number of people in each household in Kankakee County.
Homeless individuals are referred to Kankakee County St. Vincent de Paul conference services offering prepared meals. The food bank differs from other pantries, because it gives families an opportunity to come in and shop in a grocery store setting for only what then need. They will also be assisted by volunteers from the charity. Or learn more and find free food near you.
During the summer, when state of Illinois and county of Kankakee school meal programs are not in operation, many children go without nutritious food. The Summer Food Service Program serves nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and even free snacks at a number of locations in the County. The program is available to children 18 years old and under as well as to disabled individuals under 21 years of age.
SFSP is made possible by donations and the work of volunteers. Also, grants are received from the United States Department of Education, and this also helps pay for the service.
Free or low cost basic needs, including thrift store and holiday help
Students from working poor families can register for the Back to School Program. Based on donation levels, Kankakee County Saint Vincent provides backpacks, clothing and other school supplies for qualifying elementary and middle school students. Find more free school supplies for student in K to 12 grades.
Senior citizens on a fixed, low income can sign up for the Home Repair Program. SVDP Coordinates church and civic groups that make minor repairs or modifications for low-income residents. Another group supported may be the disabled.
For those in job training, the charity will try to offer day care, support services, and life skills training. Or there may even be a gasoline voucher which can be used by them to get to an interview in Kankakee County.
Society of Saint Vincent also is involved in Childhood Development resources. There are Early Childhood Education Projects which help families with toddlers, infants and preschool aged children with special needs or circumstances meet their developmental and educational needs. The goal is to provide the education and skills necessary for the children to begin school.
The SVDP Thrift Shop offers a large selection of donated clothing for men, professionally employed people, women, children, and infants. Volunteers at the store wash all clothing and steam out the wrinkles before it is placed on the racks for sale. The location will also stock a wide variety of small household items, such as books, kitchen gadgets, knick-knacks, linens, lamps, and seasonal items. There are even free items for clients who have newborns.
There are also seasonal programs, such as the Christmas Boutique. This location is open for business just before Thanksgiving, with a wide selection of toys, books, stuffed animals, holiday apparel, and gift items. During inclement winter weather, they typically provide the homeless with sleeping bags and blankets during the holiday time-frame.
Phone number to apply for SVDP assistance programs in Kankakee County
All resources are limited, especially the financial aid. A major focus instead is on hunger prevention and basic needs. The main St. Vincent parish is at 110 Village Square, Bradley, IL 60915. Call (815) 932-2203.
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