SERVICE RESOURCES DIRECTORY

The Chicago Urban League is a HUD-approved housing counseling agency that provides free services to low- and moderate-income residents. Counseling programs include mortgage default counseling, predatory lending counseling, rental housing counseling, and first-time homebuyer counseling.The Chicago Urban League also offers a Foreclosure Counseling Program in which housing counselors work as liaisons between homeowners and mortgage companies to create a plan for the defaulted homeowner. 

Offers free legal services to low-income residents of Chicago.

The City of Chicago's Department of Housing (DOH) offers a number of programs to support renters, homebuyers and owners, and landlords and developers that provide affordable housing on behalf of community residents. The DOH oversees programs that assist current homeowners in making repairs to their homes, and contracts with housing counseling services to help prevent foreclosures. Eligible homeowners may receive grants from the City of Chicago to assist with roof and porch repairs as well as emergency heating system repairs. 

Through these programs, the City of Chicago provides funding for income-eligible Chicago homeowners to make either roof and porch repairs or emergency home heating repairs. The enrollment period for the heating repair program runs through the winter, while the roof and porch program has a very limited enrollment period in the summer.

Through this program, the City of Chicago provides safety, security, and accessibility improvements that help senior citizens remain in their homes. The SARFS program provides minor repairs including (but not limited to) wheelchair ramps, smoke detectors, grab bars, lever faucets, and door repairs. Chicago seniors are eligible for this program if they earn no more than 80 percent of the area's medium income and are at least 60 years of age.

The City of Chicago offers direct assistance to people through its Family and Support Services department. Programs include children services, community service centers, domestic violence assistance, homeless services, senior services, veterans resources, workforce development, and youth services. 

All ComEd customers may qualify for a free home energy assessment, and income eligible households may also receive free weatherization improvements such as programmable thermostats, advanced power strips, pipe insulation, and more.  

CEDA is a private community action agency that provides energy assistance programs, home weatherization services, family support and community engagement programs, and housing services. The Home Energy Assistance Program offers financial assistance to income-qualifying residents in Cook County for their heating and cooling energy costs.

Community Assistance Programs (CAPs) is a not-for-profit employment agency that provides employment training and job placement services.

Deborah's Place is a Chicago nonprofit that provides compassionate care to women experiencing homelessness. The organization offers permanent supportive housing options for women, as well as interim housing, an overnight shelter, and community based housing programs. In addition to their housing programs, Deborah's Place provides job readiness training, tutoring and education assistance, health services, case management, and counseling.