SERVICE RESOURCES DIRECTORY

Housing Action Illinois is a statewide organization that focuses on policy advocacy and public education related to affordable housing. Their website offers educational publications of research and analysis on financial issues such as rent-to-own contracts, rising housing costs, and monetary lending rights. 

The Housing Authority of Cook County offers assistance for those applying to public housing programs and Housing Choice Voucher Programs within Cook County. The HACC also partners with other organizations to provide additional services such as moving assistance, job training and placement, youth services, and resident counseling and wellness services. 

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 Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program provides weatherization services to low income residents of Illinois. Services include air sealing, attic and wall insulation, furnace repair and replacement, and window and door insulation. IHWAP may also provide health and safety home upgrades for eligible residents. 

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. 

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.

Offers free legal services in non-criminal matters to residents of metropolitan Chicago.

Offers legal services as part of the University of Chicago's law school.

Marquette Bank offers free public seminars on financial education that address personal finance, homebuyer education, retirement planning, identity theft, estate planning, and college saving plans. Marquette Bank also offers its Affordable Housing Foundation Grant for first-time homebuyers to assist with down payments and closing costs. The 1st Home Illinois Program and Downpayment Plus Program are offered through Marquette Bank and provide financial assistance for down payments and closing costs.