Keeping Your Housing
Often funding that helps people keep their housing is called homelessness prevention. Some places refer to this as short term help, because the funding is meant to solve a problem quickly and with one check. A number of different agencies can help people who are behind on rent and/or utilities so that they do not lose their housing, with examples linked below.
Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) Homelessness Prevention
IHDA has rental assistance opportunities for people with a pending case in eviction court and can link you to a provider if you are at risk of eviction but not yet in court proceedings.
Community Action Agencies
Community Action Agency has ways you can locate resources in your county to learn about homelessness prevention programs and a wide variety of additional supports including rental and utility assistance. Many are able to link households to food, shelter, and employment training and placement as well. Every county in IL is connected with a Community Action Agency (CAA)
Find a Provider with Division of Human Services Prevention Funding
IDHS: FY 25 Homeless Prevention Providers:
General: Dial 211 or call IDHS Helpline at 1-833-2-FIND-HELP (1-833-234-6343) or United Way Location Finder: United Ways in Illinois
Cook County: call 1-877-426-6515 (8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday) or go online
Utility Assistance
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program or LIHEAP helps low-income renters pay for energy such as gas, propane, and electricity. To find a Community Action Agency near you providing this support and learn more about if you qualify, please click here.
Veterans
If you served in the United States military, please visit our Veterans Page to learn about housing options for Veterans.
Seniors
Eldercare Assistance: This site serves as a gateway to a wide range of resources for seniors, their families, and caregivers, focusing on local services and support for various needs, including housing assistance. Call or text 1-800-677-1116 for help.
Persons Experiencing Violence
IL Domestic Violence Hotline - 1-877-TO END DV or 1-877-863-6338 (Voice)
For domestic violence assistance in Chicago, call 3-1-1 for assistance by phone.