State Homeless Prevention Funds
In 2007, we were selected to administer the state of Illinois’ Homeless Prevention Funds for residents of Chicago. These funds are targeted towards security deposits, rent, mortgages, and utilities.
Goals of the Homelessness Prevention Program
- To stabilize individuals and families in their current home.
- To decrease the amount of time spent in shelters by families and individuals.
- To help individuals and families secure and maintain affordable housing.
Eligibility criteria for the Prevention Program
- Chicago residents or those moving to Chicago
- Households in imminent danger of eviction
- Households in imminent danger of foreclosure
- Households in imminent danger of homelessness
- Households that are currently homeless (note: they need to be able to document their ability to afford rent and utilities in the future without this assistance)
- ALL HOUSEHOLDS MUST BE ABLE TO DOCUMENT A TEMPORARY ECONOMIC CRISIS BEYOND ITS CONTROL:
- Loss of employment
- Medical disability or emergency
- Loss or delay of a public benefit
- Natural disaster
- Substantial change in household composition
- Victimization by criminal activity
- Illegal action by a landlord
- Displacement by government or private action
- Other conditions constituting a hardship comparable to the others on this list.
Types and amounts of assistance
- No more than one instance of assistance (up to $1500 depending on the need) can be given to any one individual or household in a 2 year period (this is a “rolling” 2 years). Exceptions to this can only be approved by state staff.
- Payments can’t exceed 3 months of rent or mortgage arrears
- Payments can’t exceed 2 months of rent or mortgage costs
- Any payments for security deposits must match the client’s lease
- Utility bills can be paid up to the cap of $1500 but the focus is on how much assistance is required to stop the shut-off and help the individual or family get on a payment plan.
The process for referrals
- People who meet the criteria listed above should call “311” and ask for “short-term help” so they can be assessed for assistance.
- If money is available and the caller meets the criteria of the program he/she will be referred to one of our partners to complete the application process.
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