Financial Help for Rent in Will County and Joliet.
Will County residents facing a housing crisis, and that need rent payment help, have access to a network of government grants, faith-based charities, and local "town level" government programs. Unlike many other regions, Will County IL relies heavily on its Township General Assistance program, which is a state-mandated resource for residents in extreme poverty. Whether you are in the urban center of Joliet or a rural part of the county, these resources listed below are designed to offer rental assistance to prevent homelessness and help pay deposits or other move-in costs.
Centralized Help and Referrals
If you aren't sure where to start to even look for rent help or any type of housing programs, these agencies act as the "front door" for social services in the region.
- United Way of Will County: This agency provides funding to dozens of local non-profits. They offer a referral line to help you find which charities currently have open funding for rent or utility arrears as well as the application process. Address: 54 N. Ottawa Street, Suite 300, Joliet, IL 60432. Phone: (815) 723-2500
- Will County Center for Community Concerns (WCCCC): As the local Community Action Agency, they manage the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), which can provide emergency rent help to those facing eviction. Address: 2455 Glenwood Avenue, Joliet, IL 60435. Phone: (815) 722-0722. Find more details about Will County Center for Community Concern.
Township General Assistance (The Illinois & Will County Safety Net)
In Will County, every township is required by law to provide "General Assistance" to eligible residents who do not qualify for other state or federal help. Many townships also offer "Emergency Assistance" specifically for one-time rent help to stop an eviction. You must contact the office for the township where you live. Most townships require proof of income, identity, residency, and a documented need such as an eviction notice or past-due ledger. Pro-Tip: If you are denied financial help to pay rent or any bill by a township office, always ask for the decision in writing. In Illinois, you have the right to appeal a denial of General Assistance or Emergency Assistance within 30 days.
- Joliet Township: (815) 726-4781
- Plainfield Township: (815) 436-8308
- DuPage Township (Bolingbrook area): (630) 759-1317
- Troy Township: (815) 744-1968
- Lockport Township: (815) 838-0380
- New Lenox Township: (815) 485-6431
- Frankfort Township: (815) 469-4907
- Homer Township: (708) 301-0522
- Monee Township: (708) 534-6020
- Crete Township: (708) 672-8279
- Channahon Township: (815) 467-2569
- Wheatland Township: (630) 851-3952
- Wilmington Township: (815) 476-9272
- Peotone Township: (708) 258-9192
- Washington Township: (708) 946-2026
- Reed Township: (815) 458-6068
- Custer Township: (815) 458-2252
- Florence Township: (815) 478-3150
- Green Garden Township: (815) 277-9884
- Jackson Township: (815) 423-5771
- Manhattan Township: (815) 478-3123
- Wesley Township: (815) 476-7869
- Will Township: (708) 258-0980
- Wilton Township: (815) 478-4488
Charities and Faith-Based Housing Assistance
These organizations often provide smaller grants, move-in assistance, and some combine transitional housing with future rent help. All eligibility, funding levels, and criteria vary - but they aim to help local people pay rent.
- Catholic Charities (Daybreak Center): This is a primary resource in Joliet for homelessness prevention. They offer the Daybreak Shelter, transitional housing for single mothers, and emergency financial help for rent, food, and utilities. Address: 611 E. Cass Street, Joliet, IL 60432. Phone: (815) 774-4663
- The Salvation Army of Will County: Provides case management, emergency financial aid (including rent loans), and sometimes vouchers for temporary lodging. Address: 300 3rd Ave, Joliet, IL 60433. Phone: (815) 726-4834
- Lamb’s Fold Center: Focuses on women, children, and single mothers. They provide transitional housing and occasionally grants to help with security deposits or to prevent an eviction. Address: 153 S. Ottawa Street, Joliet, IL 60436. Phone: (815) 723-5262
- Aunt Martha’s Youth & Health Center: Offers crisis intervention and can sometimes arrange housing support or shelter for youth and families. Address: 409 W. Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL 60435. Phone: (815) 768-8750
- MorningStar Mission: Provides shelter and supportive services for both single individuals and families. Address: 350 E. Washington Street, Joliet, IL 60433. Phone: (815) 722-5780
- Love INC (Love in the Name of Christ): Acts as a clearinghouse to refer families to local churches that can provide basic needs, furniture for new apartments, or small financial grants. Phone: (630) 512-8665 (Serving the region via Clarendon Hills hub)
Specialized Programs: Veterans and Legal Aid
- Veterans Assistance Commission of Will County: Provides veterans and their families with rent help, SSVF grants, and HUD-VASH assistance. They are a dedicated resource for military families struggling with housing costs. Address: 128 N. Scott St., Joliet, IL 60432. Phone: (815) 740-8389
- Prairie State Legal Services: Offers free legal help to low-income tenants facing eviction. They can help negotiate with landlords and ensure your rights are protected during a housing dispute. Address: 14A W. Cass Street, 3rd Floor, Joliet, IL 60432. Phone: (815) 727-5123. Locate free legal assistance in Illinois.
- Agape Missions: Specialized housing and supportive services for individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS. Address: 840 Plainfield Rd., Joliet, IL 60435. Phone: (815) 723-1548
Public Housing and Section 8 Vouchers
For long-term affordability, contact the housing authorities that manage federally subsidized vouchers and public housing units. While not common, there may be in the area low income based apartments with no wait list that can help qualified residents.
Housing Authority of Joliet: Manages vouchers and low-income developments within Joliet. Address: 6 S. Broadway Street, Joliet, IL 60436. Phone: (815) 727-0611
Housing Authority of Park Forest: Provides services to residents in the eastern part of Will County. Address: 350 Victory Drive, Park Forest, IL 60466. Phone: (708) 748-1112
Community Discussion and Local Updates
Local funding for these programs changes based on the fiscal year and grant availability. To ask questions or share your experience with applying for rent help in Joliet, join the moderated Will County and Joliet area Rent Help Forum.
Related Content From Needhelppayingbills.com
|
Need help navigating programs?