Resources to Prevent and End Homelessness

Housing Action Illinois does not provide direct assistance to people looking for affordable housing, but we hope that the following websites and resources might be of use.

Local Resources for Those Experiencing Homelessness

The resources below may be of use to prevent homelessness. For more information, use the tool above to see resources provided by your local CoC.

NEW: Illinois Pathways to Housing: Here you can find resources and information to help you connect with housing and related services throughout the state of Illinois.

2-1-1 is available in many counties in Illinois. Call 2-1-1 for any non-emergency crisis, such as food, shelter, rent and utility assistance. People can also call for physical and mental health resources and employment support, as well as any need that impacts seniors, persons with disabilities, children, youth and/or families.

The Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP) provides emergency rental assistance to tenants and landlords across Illinois who have pending case(s) in eviction court. Eligible applicants may qualify for up to $10,000 that can be applied to past due rent, up to $700 for court costs, and up to two months’ future rent to prevent housing displacement.

The Illinois Department of Human Services’ Homeless Prevention Program provides rental/mortgage assistance, utility assistance, approved case management and approved 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.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development—Illinois Rent Relief & Eviction Resources: Links to resources related to eviction, rental payment assistance, and utility payment assistance.

Help Illinois Families Initiative is an initiative launched in June 2020 to help Illinois families access and afford home energy assistance and other essential services during COVID-19. The state budget authorizes the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) programs for eligible Illinoisans seeking emergency assistance to cover costs of utility bills, rent, temporary shelter, food, and other household necessities.

Community Action Agencies don’t provide actual housing, but do provide a wealth of housing-related social services, such utility assistance, homelessness prevention and housing counseling. To find the Community Action Agency in your county visit the Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies website and click on “Find Your Local Agency.”

IllinoisLegalAid.org provides lower-income and vulnerable Illinois residents with information about their legal rights and responsibilities, referrals to free and low cost legal aid offices, multimedia training and education, and forms and instructions for representing themselves. 

Eviction Help Illinois provides legal solutions for your housing issues. Get connected to free legal help for Illinois renters facing potential eviction and landlords not represented by a lawyer.

The Rental Assistance Program (RAP) provides funding to Chicagoans who are at risk of becoming homeless. RAP helps Chicagoans who have housing right now, but who may become homeless soon because they are experiencing a temporary loss or reduction in income that makes it difficult to pay rent. This program is intended to provide short-term support while promoting long-term housing stability.

Rentervention is a free resource for Chicago renters to help diagnose their legal issues, understand their rights, and choose the best option for solving their problem.

Metropolitan Tenants Organization offers online, telephone hotline and organizing support for tenants in Chicago to exercise their human right to affordable and safe housing.

For more information on rental assistance, housing counseling and legal aid among other things, visit our Get Help with Housing webpage.