SERVICE RESOURCES DIRECTORY

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. 

IMPACT Family Center is a human service organization that focuses on social change through their youth programs, in-school programs, and community events. Youth programming includes a technology-focused Digital Media Exploration course, weekly mentoring, arts programs, and music therapy. 

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.

Kids off the Block is a youth-focused non-profit that promotes health and wellness, educational achievement, and personal and social growth among the most “at-risk” youth in Chicago. Through both recreational activities and educational opportunities, this organization creates a positive environment for youth, celebrates their accomplishments, and helps them cultivate new skills.

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.