SERVICE RESOURCES DIRECTORY

The Illinois Department on Aging both serves and advocates for older citizens and their caregivers. Programs are wide-ranging and include, but are not limited to, assistance with public benefits, food programs, health assistance, home repairs and maintenance, and protection and advocacy. 

The Illinois Department of Veteran’s Affairs assists veterans and their families in navigating the systems of federal, state, and local resources and benefits, including long-term health care, education, mental health services, housing, and employment.

The IHDA is a state agency that connects Illinois residents with certified lenders through their 1stHomeIllinois, Access Forgivable, Access Deferred, and Access Repayable loan programs. The IHDA also provides programs that offer down payment assistance for qualifying households as well as financial literacy classes and pre-purchase counseling for homebuyers. These counseling sessions are free of charge and focus on first-time homebuyers. 

La Casa Norte serves youth and families confronting homelessness. Their programs include permanent, transitional, and emergency housing options, as well as technology training, education support, employment-readiness, case management, therapy, food, clothing, and transportation assistance.

LUCHA is a community housing development organization and HUD-approved housing counseling agency. In addition to their affordable rental properties, LUCHA's services include individual counseling as well as free public workshops and education courses in first-time homeownership, foreclosure prevention, and financial empowerment. These workshops and courses focus on financial decision making, financial stability, and innovative approaches to debt payment and savings.

Mercy Housing is an affordable housing non-profit that participates in the development, preservation, management, and/or financing of affordable housing across the country. Housing services are available for families, seniors, and people with special needs. Each Mercy Housing property has its own qualification criteria as well as its own leasing office and application process.

NHS is a non-profit mortgage lender that offers financial assistance to new homebuyers and homeowners for the purchasing, refinancing, or rehabbing of a home. Programs include grants as well as down payment and/or closing cost assistance.

NHS also offers both grants and low-interest, fixed-rate home improvement loans through their Neighborhood Lending Services. Approved projects will be assigned an NHS Construction Specialist to help guide residents through the construction process.

The North Chicago Housing Authority offers assistance to low- and moderate-income families who are seeking affordable housing opportunities. Programs include public housing buildings and Housing Choice Vouchers. 

The Northside CDC is a HUD-certified non-profit organization that preserves affordable housing and economic opportunities on the North side of Chicago. The organization provides homeownership counseling in the following areas: first time homeownership, condominium ownership, mortgage readiness, foreclosure prevention, downpayment assistance, financial literacy, and credit counseling. 

Northwest Center identifies and responds to the needs of the community by leveraging resources to improve the economic well-being and quality of life in Belmont Cragin and the surrounding communities. 

They offer housing counseling, financial literacy programs, and community activism. They've helped Chicago’s northwest side keep their homes, create financial opportunities, and grow as organizers and leaders.