Winnebago County and Rockford St. Vincent de Paul assistance programs.
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul in Rockford Illinois and Winnebago County provides resources to the low income, needy, homeless, and poor. Everything from emergency financial help to microloans for paying bills or rent, free food, clothes (including at winter) and so much more is provided.
There are several churches and parishes in Winnebago County there are part of the SVDP conference in Rockford. Applicants will often have a home visit from Vincentians from St. Vincent. Based on this assessment, the assistance will be given, whether financial to help with bills or material items such as furniture, clothes, groceries, etc. In addition, the root cause of the client’s hardship needs to be addressed.
Emergency assistance from St. Vincent Conferences of Rockford
Winnebago County residents may be found eligible for one time Emergency Help, Microloans (including for borrowers with poor credit) and other Social Services. There may be financial aid paid out as needed for critical bills such as housing, utilities, medical and more - as long as the applicant is able to furnish proof as noted below.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul assists the low income, single moms, and others such as seniors and others living on fixed incomes such as the disabled on SSDI. There is also support for the working poor as well as immigrants. Clients need to be faced with temporary situations of crisis. Specifically, the assistance programs offer free food and emergency financial help with rent medications, mortgage, and utility payments to those with documented crises within the past 90 days.
All assistance is contingent upon availability of funds and conditions being met to Saint Vincent. While income is not used as the only eligibility requirement it is a factor. Priority is given to those who have kids or that are unable to work due to medical issues or that are facing a hardship they did not create or was out of their control.
In some cases the Fresh Start Micro Loan program may be used by the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. This will ensure the client has requirement to repay the funds, as the loans can help with bills but it is not “free” money. There is also building, credit counseling and repair arranged for those who get loans. It puts more responsibility on the Winnebago County family. Read more on personal hardship loans for bad credit.
Required documentation from Rockford SVDP Conference includes Verification of age for all children; Picture identification showing residency in Winnebago County for all adults; Social Security cards for all household members; a copy of utility shut-off or eviction notice; as well as Documentation of an income that is high enough to cover remaining costs going forward.
Apply for free basic needs, food, and more in Winnebago County
To be eligible to receive food assistance from the Society of St. Vincent de Paul pantry, the applicant's income must be at or below 200% of the poverty level established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This is used by the agency in an effort to ensure the support goes to the most needy in the community.
The food pantry was established as a non-profit faith based organization by the conference. It was created and designed to purchase and distribute grocery items to eligible families. All users of the pantry must live within Winnebago County may receive a box of food or personal hygiene supplies once per month up to a certain number of times per year. What is passed out is determined by family size, including extended members such as aunts, uncles, or grand-parents. Read more on free food banks and pantries in Illinois.
The Winnebago County St. Vincent de Paul thrift store is in Rockford. Dial the number below for hours. The location is open to the general public, and it sells competitively priced supplies. There may also be some recycled items available for pick up from the store. All proceeds from the sale of stuff at the store goes to pay for the financial assistance programs and the funds will also be used to keep the store running.
Note this is also an income based service. If the household income is low enough (such as around or slightly higher than poverty levels) then some individuals may receive vouchers so they can acquire goods for free. What may be provided for sale includes furniture, clothes, Christmas toys, uniforms for work, boots, household goods, dresses, and other items.
How to apply for help from SVDP assistance in Winnebago County
There are multiple parishes, Each has limited resources and financial aid program. They are part of the Rockford Conference. Whether free food, loan programs, or something else, the Vincentians may assist.
Holy Family, 4401 Highcrest Rd, Rockford, Illinois 61107. Call 815.986.5825
St Bridget Catholic Church. 600 Clifford Ave, Loves Park, IL 61111 phone number is at 815.398.6060
St James Catholic Church, 428 N 2nd St, Rockford, IL 61107 can be reached at 815.904.5226
St. Peter address is 1243 N Church St, Rockford, IL 61103. Phone: (815) 965-2765
St. Rita Catholic Church - 6254 Valley Knoll Dr, Rockford, Illinois 61109 can be reached at 815.227.9031
St. Joseph/St. Mary in Freeport IL. Call 815.232.8271 ext. 24
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