Hardship Resources & Programs
Use the Find Food IL map to find places in your community offering free food or meals. You can also find stores and markets that accept SNAP/LINK or WIC coupons. Plus, see the DHS or WIC office nearest to you.
Enter your zip code or city to get started. The locations and hours of operation for the resources listed on this map are subject to change without advance notice. Please call ahead to verify the days and hours of operation.
For questions about the Find Food IL Map, it's uses, and partnership opportunities please contact us at eatmovesave@illinois.edu. For questions about adding your organization to the map or regarding incorrect site information please contact Abby Christensen at abby@foodfinder.us.
Offering Programs for:
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Affordable Housing (Army SSgt. Robert Miller Home and Tammy's Trace)
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Freedom Commissary (Household goods, hygiene products, cleaning supplies, paper goods and more)
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Permanent Supportive Housing
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Supportive Services for Veteran Families
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Transitional Housing
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Veteran Employment
If you are in need of temporary shelter and assistance, IV PADS may be able to help. Both our Ottawa and Peru shelters are open and available to both male and female individuals as well as families. Our services are designed to offer a hand up, not a hand out.
Lily Pads Resale Boutique in Peru and Lily Pads Too of Ottawa offer a boutique shopping experience at resale prices. 100% of proceeds benefit IV PADS (Ottawa PADS, Peru PADS, Lily Pads and Lily Pads Too). Donated items are either sold to earn revenue to support IV PADS, or donations are given directly to the homeless clients we serve.
For many Illinois households, energy costs place a severe and continuing stress on the family’s budget. In some instances, the household is forced to make painful decisions regarding which bills to pay and which necessities to survive without. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is designed to help income eligible households pay for the rising cost of winter energy services.
Offering Programs with help paying bills, payment plans, furnace repair/replacement and more.
Overall, USA.gov provides information about commonly needed government services and makes them accessible anytime, anywhere, via your channel of choice. This government website can also help direct you to resources relating to:
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State social service agencies
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Government benefits
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Help with bills
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Grants and loans
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Food assistance
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Affordable rental housing
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Military programs and benefits
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Financial aid for students
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Unemployment help
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Retirees
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And much more!
211 is a phone number that is explicitly reserved to enable people in need to speak with a community resource specialist who can help them find local social services for everyday needs and in times of crisis.Currently, active 211 systems cover all or part of the 50 states and some of Canada.
They offer information on the following types of services:Basic Human Needs Resources – including food and clothing, shelters, housing, and utility assistance.Emergency information and disaster reliefMental Health and Health Resources – including counseling, support groups, drug and alcohol treatment, health insurance programs, Medicaid and Medicare, maternal health resources, health insurance programs for children, medical information lines, clinics, and hospitals.Employment and Education Support – including job training, employment services, transportation assistance, and education programs.Older Adults and Persons with Disabilities – including adult day care, community meals, respite care, home health care, transportation, and homemaker services.Children, Youth, and Family Support
If you lost your job or if you have a sudden decrease in income or an increase in out-of-pocket family health care expenses, we can help. Read this page to find out how to request help with current VA copay bills or an exemption from future copays.
You can request debt relief for copay bills online now.
Request help with copay bills by mail or in person. You can also request debt relief by mail or in person. Fill out a Financial Status Report (VA Form 5655).
Write a letter describing the financial issues that make it hard for you to pay your copay debt. If you want to request a hearing to help explain your financial issues, include this request in your letter.
Submit your completed form and supporting letter to the business office or health administration office at your nearest VA medical center.
Find the address of your nearest VA medical center HERE.
The Crisis Relief Program provides critical support to the greater military and uniformed services community across the country during crisis situations.
Applications for the Crisis Relief Program are open year round to anyone in the military & uniformed services community that is experiencing a crisis situation.
To learn more and apply, please click here.
Please email relief@moaa.org or call the MOAA Member Service Center at (800) 234-6622 if you feel uncomfortable about a request and would like to verify authenticity, or if you have any questions about the program
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If you would like your business added to this page, please contact us below or email: LCVACSuperintendent@gmail.com