In these times of poor economy and a competitive job market, many people are experiencing severe difficulties in affording their rent or mortgage. The good news is that no matter where you live you are likely to find some form of government or privately funded assistance to help you afford your basic living expenses. If you live in Chicago, you'll find numerous potential options for help with emergency housing funds to help keep you afloat until you're back on your feet.
City Of Chicago
Chicago Department of Family & Support Services sponsors the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program that financially assists Chicago area residents in need of housing funds. As of March 15, 2010, HPRP reports having more than $26 million to allocate to qualified applicants for rental assistance, security deposits, utility deposit and payment and relocation expenses. If you are the owner -- and occupant -- of a building with up to four separate apartment units, and are in need of major household repairs that have deemed your home unlivable, the City of Chicago Department of Housing and Economic Development (HED) may be able to help through EHAP --Emergency Housing Assistance Program. EHAP provides anywhere from $5,000 to $30,000 to low-income home owners in need of major building repairs to save their homes.
State of Illinois
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) works closely with the Illinois Housing Development Authority to help low-income residents afford safe and comfortable housing throughout the city of Chicago and the greater Illinois area. As of 2011, low-income residents in Chicago can apply for two different emergency rental assistance programs. The Federal Rental Assistance Section 8 program is an ongoing grant that provides qualified and approved low-income applicants with non-taxable and non-repayable rent vouchers that cover up to 70 percent of their housing expenses. HUD also offers low-income rentals in state-owned subsidized housing developments in Chicago.
Private Non-Profit Help
If you are not eligible to receive help from your city or state governments, other options may still be available to you. Many non-profit organizations exist that provide emergency rental and housing funds to low-income families facing financial difficulties. The Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County, Incorporated -- CEDA -- offers grants and low-interest loan programs, shelters and counseling services for the homeless and clients with other emergency housing needs. The American Red Cross also offers rental assistance to Chicago residents on a case by case basis, and also refers clients to eight other emergency housing programs throughout the Chicago area.
Catholic Charities
The Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Chicago runs a homelessness prevention service that helps direct needy citizens to a number of program emergency housing programs that offer different levels of help and financial assistance. Some of them include the Family Shelter Program that provides free housing, social services and basic needs to families with children under the age of 18 at two Chicago locations; and the Chicago Department of Family & Support Services that provides eligible low-income applicants with up to $900 in funding to apply towards past-due rent. Other free emergency housing programs that work in conjunction with Catholic Charities in Chicago are the Lake County Samaritan House and New Hope Apartments.
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