http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30360
Click the link to access other information such as homeless prevention directory.
Homeless Prevention
What is the purpose of this service?
The Homeless Prevention Program provides rental assistance, utility assistance and supportive services directly related to the prevention of homelessness to eligible individuals and families who are in danger of eviction, foreclosure or homelessness or are currently homeless. The program is designed to stabilize individuals and families in their existing homes, shorten the amount of time that individuals and families stay in shelters and assist individuals and families with securing affordable housing.
Who can receive these services?
Persons who may be eligible include households that are in immediate danger of eviction, foreclosure or homelessness or are currently homeless. The household must document a temporary economic crisis beyond its control and must be able to demonstrate an ability to meet the prospective rental/utility obligations after the assistance has been granted based on current or anticipated income.
The Homeless Prevention Program is just five years old, yet it has served many people. Over 14,000 households were served in FY2007, the majority of households were families.
What services are provided?
Homeless prevention services are provided through Illinois Homeless Services Continua of Care. This is a network of local governments, community organizations and non-profit agencies that are geographically linked together to cover the service needs of the entire state. There are nearly seventy provider agencies, within twenty-one Continua of Care, working to fulfill the need for homelessness prevention.
* Payment of rent arrears to prevent eviction (3 months maximum).
* Payment of a rent or security deposit (2 months maximum).
* Payment of utility bills and arrearage.
* Supportive services to prevent homelessness or repeated episodes of homelessness, include:
o Housing Location/Inspection
o Job Preparation/Employment Services
o Counseling
o Outreach
o Follow-up
o Case Management
How to apply?
Please see the Homeless Prevention Directory for the closest place to apply.
Currently, this must be downloaded as an Adobe PDF file.
