All Chicago emergency financial assistance programs.
All Chicago partners with organizations across the city and Cook County in an effort to help the working poor, homeless, and less fortunate. They have information on, and can provide referrals to, a number of resources, including some that can assist with paying certain bills and household expenses.
A few main programs provided include the Emergency Fund and Homelessness Prevention services through the local Call Center. Some of the partners that are part of the network include the Learning Center and the non-profit Chicago Alliance, however dozens of other social service agencies can also contribute. More information on what can be provided to income qualified residents is below.
The Homelessness Prevention Call Center supports both the city of Chicago as well as all of Cook County. People that are facing eviction and that need emergency rental assistance, or those that are currently homeless and need help with paying a portion of a security deposit, may be offered support. There can be grants available for expenses such as utilities or a rent payment, among other needs.
A specialist will need to review the caller's eligibility. If they are not qualified, then referrals may be made to other community resources, ranging from short term loans to government support. In Chicago, dial 311, or in Cook County, people can dial the Homelessness Prevention Call Center at 1.877.426.6515.
All Chicago has information as well as referrals on many other resources as well. Some of them are as follows.
- Housing – The Department of Family and Support Service has information on shelters, low income apartments, out reach, and financial aid.
- SNAP Food Stamp Applications including the amount of benefits eligible for.
- -Programs for single parents, ranging from child care vouchers to housing.
- Chicago Referral System – This will help people apply for permanent housing, and it offered in partnership with community service centers.
- Veteran assistance - All Chicago has information on a crisis hot line for their needs, including medical care from Jesse Brown VA Medical Center at 2750 West Roosevelt Road or the Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospita
- Heating and utility bill assistance, as well as repairs to furnaces, from the state of Illinois Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Much of the financial aid available from All Chicago is the result of the The Emergency Fund. This is targeted at families facing a one time crisis, such as an unexpected car repair or an illness. While the exact type of assistance provided will vary based on many factors, it can include some of the following.
- Workplace needs – It can help with a uniform or maybe a one time gas voucher for the first day on the job.
- Self-Sufficiency Grants do exactly that, help with stabilizing and improving the situation. There may be help for basic needs, rent transportation, or maybe an expense for employment. The applicant needs to be in job training.
- Address a gap for income reduction – If a Chicago resident had their income cut for a short, defined period of time, there may be funds for a rent payment, overdue utility bill or maybe prescription medication.
- Payments to prevent a shut off of heat during the winter.
- Crisis grants can help with transportation, food boxes, eye glasses, prescription medicine, bus passes, and clothing.
Dozens of charities and social groups take part in the fund, and it is flexible and will address what the applicant needs help with. A goal is to prevent a sudden financial hardship from becoming a long-term crisis. Dial the Homelessness Prevention Call Center at the number above for more information.
The Learning Center focuses on self-sufficiency, in particular for the homeless and those facing poverty It is a key All Chicago partner, and case managers will help clients get on the path to self-sufficiency. There is guidance for single parents, veterans, and others from the community as well, so it is a flexible resource.
All Chicago is also involved in Rapid Re-Housing. This will help get otherwise self-sufficient families back into new, affordable housing. Many agencies participate, and together they may offer the following.
- Assistance with locating a new, low income apartment or housing unit.
- For those that meet conditions, money may be available for first months rent, moving costs, storage fees, or a utility connection or rental deposit.
All of this is provided with ongoing case management. The All Chicago partners not only want to rehouse a family, but also keep them stable and break any homeless cycle.
Apply for All Chicago Fund
For more information, dial the call center at 1.877.426.6515. An intake specialist will provide more details on available resources and the application process.
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