13 Resources
State agency administering affordable housing programs including rental assistance, down payment assistance, and foreclosure prevention across Illinois. IHDA manages the Illinois Rental Payment Program, first-time homebuyer assistance, and housing counseling network. Fathers at risk of eviction or foreclosure, or looking to purchase a home, can visit ihda.org to find a local housing counselor and learn about available financial assistance programs.
312-836-5200 · 111 E Wacker Dr, Suite 1000, Chicago, IL 60601
Manages public housing and the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program in Chicago for low-income families. CHA provides subsidized apartments and rental vouchers allowing families to rent from private landlords. Wait lists are often long, so apply as early as possible. Fathers seeking affordable housing in Chicago can visit thecha.org to check wait list status, find public housing communities, and learn about eligibility requirements.
312-742-8500 · 60 E Van Buren St, Chicago, IL 60605
Provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, rental assistance, and comprehensive family support services across Cook and Lake counties. Catholic Charities operates a network of service centers throughout the Chicago archdiocese. Fathers in housing crisis can call 312-655-7700 or visit a nearby service center to learn about emergency shelter availability, rental assistance programs, and supportive services for stabilizing family situations.
312-655-7700 · 721 N LaSalle St, Chicago, IL 60654
Offers emergency shelter, transitional housing, rental and utility assistance, food pantries, and family support services throughout metropolitan Chicago. The Salvation Army operates family service centers across the city and suburbs. Fathers in crisis can call or walk in to a local corps location to request emergency food, shelter, or financial assistance. Services are available regardless of religion or background.
773-725-1100 · 5040 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60630
Federally funded program providing heating and cooling bill payment assistance to income-eligible Illinois households. LIHEAP helps low-income families avoid utility shutoffs during winter and summer months. Applications open seasonally through local community action agencies. Fathers should contact their local DHS office or community action agency to apply. Bring recent utility bills, proof of income, and household identification documents to your appointment.
1-877-411-9276 · 208 S LaSalle St, Suite 1900, Chicago, IL 60604
Provides emergency cash assistance, SNAP benefits, medical assistance, and referrals to supportive services for families in crisis. Illinois DHS operates local Family Community Resource Centers across all 102 counties. Fathers facing sudden financial hardship, job loss, or housing instability can visit the nearest DHS office or apply online through the ABE portal. Bring identification, proof of income, and documentation of your current situation.
1-800-843-6154 · 401 S Clinton St, Chicago, IL 60607
Builds and rehabilitates affordable homes in Chicago neighborhoods. Qualifying low-income families invest sweat equity hours and purchase homes with affordable no-interest or low-interest mortgages. Habitat Chicago focuses on communities on the West and South sides. Fathers seeking a path to homeownership can visit habitatchicago.org or call 312-563-0296 to learn about current home availability and how to apply for the homeownership program.
312-563-0296 · 1100 W Cermak Rd, Suite 404, Chicago, IL 60608
Provides free one-on-one financial coaching, credit building workshops, and debt management counseling for low- and moderate-income workers in Chicago. Working Credit NFP helps clients improve credit scores, pay down debt, and build financial stability through personalized coaching and educational workshops. Fathers looking to improve their credit after a divorce, job loss, or financial setback can call to schedule a free initial coaching session.
312-662-2082 · 222 N LaSalle St, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60601
Coordinates Chicago's homelessness prevention system providing emergency rental assistance, rapid rehousing, and system-wide planning to end homelessness in Chicago. All Chicago administers funds to local agencies that provide direct rental assistance and supportive services. Fathers at imminent risk of eviction can call 211 or visit allchicago.org to find connected agencies offering emergency rental help and rapid rehousing support.
312-379-0301 · 651 W Washington Blvd, Suite 504, Chicago, IL 60661
Offers housing assistance, refugee services, workforce development, and family support programs serving immigrants and low-income residents across Chicagoland. Heartland Human Care Services provides intensive case management, transitional housing, employment coaching, and financial literacy to help families achieve stability. Fathers who are immigrants, refugees, or facing housing instability in Chicago can call 773-751-7760 to inquire about available programs and eligibility.
773-751-7760 · 208 S LaSalle St, Suite 1818, Chicago, IL 60604
Provides utility bill assistance, weatherization, housing counseling, and emergency services for low-income Cook County residents. CEDA operates across Cook County outside the City of Chicago, helping families with heating and cooling assistance, home weatherization improvements, and emergency food and financial aid. Fathers in suburban Cook County can call or visit a local CEDA office to apply for utility assistance and learn about other available services.
708-795-8777 · 208 S LaSalle St, Suite 1900, Chicago, IL 60604
Nonprofit community development financial institution providing affordable housing financing and community facility loans across Illinois. IFF provides capital to nonprofits and developers to build and preserve affordable housing statewide. While primarily a lender to organizations, IFF's projects create the affordable housing units that low-income families benefit from. Their website includes resources on affordable housing advocacy and policy in Illinois.
312-629-0060 · 1 N LaSalle St, Suite 700, Chicago, IL 60602
Statewide coalition advocating for affordable housing policies and connecting residents with housing counseling agencies and foreclosure prevention resources across Illinois. Housing Action Illinois maintains a network of HUD-approved housing counselors who provide free or low-cost assistance with mortgage default, rental issues, and homebuyer education. Fathers facing foreclosure or eviction can visit housingactionil.org to find a nearby counselor.
312-939-6074 · 67 E Madison St, Suite 1603, Chicago, IL 60603