State, County & Other Programs

This list was compiled through an AI assisted search for transitional housing programs in Illinois. 

Other Transitional Housing Programs in Illinois with support for Returning Citizens: 

1. IDHS Emergency & Transitional Housing Program

Eligibility

• Homeless persons or those at risk of homelessness upon release.

Program Length

• Overnight stays (<12 hrs), transitional stays (up to 2 years), or motel vouchers when shelters are full.

Contact

• Call 1-833-2-FIND-HELP or text “SHELTER” to 552020.

• Program details & provider list: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30362

Application Process

1. Call or text the above contact to be connected with your local ETH provider.

2. Choose a nearby shelter or transitional site from the provider list.

3. Complete an intake interview—provide ID, proof of release date, and homelessness risk factors.

4. Receive placement assignment and orientation; follow site rules to maintain eligibility.

2. Cook County Reconnect

Eligibility

• Adults (18+) released from IDOC 30 days–2 years ago.

• No prior arson or federal meth convictions.

• Must lease in one’s own name in Cook County and not be in another subsidy.

Program Length

• 100% rent paid first 3 months; thereafter participant pays 30% of income through lease term (program ends Nov 2026).

Contact

• Email: JAC.Reentry@cookcountyil.gov

• Participant Intake Form: (Currently Closed to New Applicants) https://thehacc.org/resources/cook-county-reconnect-participant-intake-form/

Application Process

1. Obtain an official referral from your parole/probation officer or an approved community partner.

2. Fill out the Cook County Reconnect Participant Intake Form online or email it to JAC.Reentry@cookcountyil.gov.

3. Await outreach from HACC Relocation Coordinators to verify paperwork and start housing search.

4. Sign your lease; HACC pays rent directly per program terms and schedules optional wrap-around services.

3. Margaret’s Village (Chicago South Side)

Eligibility

• Homeless women and single mothers with children, committed to participating in supportive services.

Program Length

• Transitional stays up to 24 months (based on progress & availability).

Contact

• Administration Office: 7315 S Yale Ave, Chicago, IL 60621

• Phone: (773) 651-8372

• Contact page & inquiry form: https://www.margaretsvillage.org/contact/

Application Process

1. Call (773) 651-8372 or submit an inquiry via the contact page to check bed availability.

2. Schedule an intake appointment at the Admin Office; bring photo ID, release paperwork, children’s IDs.

3. Complete the application packet and meet with a case manager.

4. Attend orientation and begin on-site programs (parenting classes, therapy, job readiness).

4. Illinois Women’s Shelters & Transitional Housing Directory

Eligibility

• Varies by site—most prioritize women (often with children) fleeing violence, homelessness, or in recovery.

Program Length

• Ranges from overnight shelter to long-term transitional housing (up to 2 years).

Contact

• Online directory: https://www.womenshelters.org/sta/illinois

Application Process

1. Visit the directory page and filter by city or program type.

2. Review each listing’s phone number and website link.

3. Call the shelter directly to inquire about current openings and specific eligibility requirements.

4. Complete that program’s intake application and any required assessments (e.g., safety interview, documentation of need).

More Resources:

• ILHousingSearch.org: A statewide free rental search tool with affordability calculator and renter rights info.

• IDHS Homelessness Services: PDF fact sheet of all housing programs (Spanish version available).

• Local Continuums of Care (CoCs): Regional planners that coordinate non-congregate shelter options (hotels/motels) during spikes in need.