SERVICE RESOURCES DIRECTORY

The Lawyers' Committee for Better Housing (LCBH) is a non-profit law firm in Chicago that provides free legal and supportive services for low and moderate income renters in the private housing market.

Offers free legal services in non-criminal matters to residents of metropolitan Chicago.

Offers legal services as part of the University of Chicago's law school.

Marquette Bank offers free public seminars on financial education that address personal finance, homebuyer education, retirement planning, identity theft, estate planning, and college saving plans. Marquette Bank also offers its Affordable Housing Foundation Grant for first-time homebuyers to assist with down payments and closing costs. The 1st Home Illinois Program and Downpayment Plus Program are offered through Marquette Bank and provide financial assistance for down payments and closing costs. 

Mercy Housing is an affordable housing non-profit that participates in the development, preservation, management, and/or financing of affordable housing across the country. Housing services are available for families, seniors, and people with special needs. Each Mercy Housing property has its own qualification criteria as well as its own leasing office and application process.

Throughout their eight community centers, Metropolitan Family Services offers free in-person debt and financial counseling as well as job training and placement services. Their Legal Aid Society provides free and low-cost legal representation and assistance to income-qualifying residents.

NHS is a non-profit mortgage lender that offers financial assistance to new homebuyers and homeowners for the purchasing, refinancing, or rehabbing of a home. Programs include grants as well as down payment and/or closing cost assistance.

NHS also offers both grants and low-interest, fixed-rate home improvement loans through their Neighborhood Lending Services. Approved projects will be assigned an NHS Construction Specialist to help guide residents through the construction process.

The North Chicago Housing Authority offers assistance to low- and moderate-income families who are seeking affordable housing opportunities. Programs include public housing buildings and Housing Choice Vouchers. 

The Northside CDC is a HUD-certified non-profit organization that preserves affordable housing and economic opportunities on the North side of Chicago. The organization provides homeownership counseling in the following areas: first time homeownership, condominium ownership, mortgage readiness, foreclosure prevention, downpayment assistance, financial literacy, and credit counseling. 

Phalanx Family Services provides workforce development solutions to economically disadvantaged individuals by connecting them with job training programs and educational opportunities. Phalanx also operates several youth and young adult programs, in addition to family and support services.