Posted on

State of Illinois Announces Help Illinois Families Initiative and more

Help Illinois Families Initiative

Governor Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today to announce a major expansion in funding for the state’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) programs. The $275 million total funding includes an additional $90 million allocated via the CARES Act, allowing the state to increase eligibility for these programs to 1 million income-qualified Illinoisans. These programs will provide emergency relief for families and displaced households across the state as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, with programs offering assistance with utilities, rent, and other household necessities for income qualifying residents. DCEO joined the Governor in Belleville and West Frankfurt communities to make the announcement. Read more

LIHEAP

  • Helps eligible low-income households pay for home energy services, including assistance with heating, gas, and electricity.
  • More information on services available in your region can be found by visiting your Local Administering Agency (LAA) page.
  • Deadline: FY20 LIHEAP services is June 30, 2020, however FY21 LIHEAP enrollment opens up earlier than usual on July 27, 2020.

CSBG

  • Offers an array of essential services, including rent assistance, food, temporary shelter, medicine and more.
  • Check your local Community Action Agency (CAA) for a list of available services near you.
  • Deadline: Open all year with expanded income eligibility guidelines as of February 2020.
Help Illinois Families expands on the existing Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Community Services Blog Program (CSBG). If you meet the income requirements and submit your application, you may be eligible for emergency assistance to cover the costs of utility bills, rent, temporary shelter, food, and other household necessities.
Apply for Program Here
Posted on

NEW Covid-19 Housing Payment Assistance Program

This new program will provide financial assistance for two months of rent or mortgage (including escrow) for those that have been affected by the Covid-10 pandemic. 

– Must be within the CSBG 125% Income Guidelines (visit our website for guidelines).

– Must have documentation showing you have been off work/loss of hours by your employer due to a closure of a business or proof from a doctor that you are being quarantined due to the virus.

Since all TCOC offices are closed to the public, in order to follow the social distancing order, please contact an Outreach Worker by email if you live in the following counties:

Bureau County (Kay or Vanessa): ktownsend@tcochelps.org, vhoffeditz@tcochelps.org

Carroll County (Julie): jyuswak@tcochelps.org

LaSalle County (Kay or Nancy): ktownsend@tcochelps.org, nhillenbrand@tcochelps.org

Lee County (Leslie, Loraen or Katie): lneal@tcochelps.org, lromo@tcochelps.org, kwright@tcochelps.org

Marshall County (Crystal): crosebecke@tcochelps.org

Ogle County (Renee): rbarnhart@tcochelps.org

Putnam County (Kay): ktownsend@tcochelps.org

Stark County (Crystal): crosebecke@tcochelps.org

Whiteside County (Leslie, Loraen or Katie): lneal@tcochelps.org, lromo@tcochelps.org, kwright@tcochelps.org

Any questions, please call the main office at 1-800-323-5434, or email Neddie at neddie@tcochelps.org.

Posted on

Client Visit Restriction Policy

In light of the recent confirmed case of Coronavirus, we are implementing the following policy. Clients seeking food will be asked to remain in their vehicles and the food will be brought out to them. Clients seeking financial aid are asked to call us at 815-625-0311 rather than stop at the pantry.

This policy will be in effect until the concerns about the Coronavirus have passed. We hope you understand that this is being done in the interest of our clients’ and volunteers’ health and well-being. Our wish is to continue to be here to serve your needs at this difficult time.

This policy will be in effect until at least March 31, 2020 and will then be re-evaluated as to whether it should be continued. We thank you for your patience and understanding.

Fred Marruffo
Board President
St. Vincent de Paul