SERVICE RESOURCES DIRECTORY

Heartland Alliance is a Chicago-based organization that provides a comprehensive array of services in the areas of health, housing, jobs, and justice. Housing programs include affordable and supportive housing properties as well as case management services, with a focus on individuals and families who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness. Heartland Housing properties also include senior and veteran housing. 

The Hispanic Housing Development Corporation is a non-profit organization that develops and manages affordable housing in and around Chicago, focusing primarily on Latino neighborhoods. 

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. 

Housing Opportunities for Women (HOW) provides access to stable and affordable housing for individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness. In addition to their permanent supportive housing programs, this organization also operates homeless shelters and provides subsidized housing for disabled individuals. Supportive services also include case management, youth services, and health 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. 

UIC John Marshall’s Fair Housing Legal Support Center & Clinic provides legal assistance to private or public organizations that seek to eliminate discriminatory housing practices. The clinic also represents clients in the Chicago metropolitan area who have been denied housing, because of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, familial status, marital status, age, source of income, sexual orientation, and other protected classes.