North Cook News

During the current federal government shutdown, the Village of Skokie is informing residents about available local resources and support services for those experiencing financial difficulties or other hardships.

The Village’s Health and Human Services Department offers an Emergency Financial Assistance Program to provide urgent, short-term financial help to Skokie residents. This assistance can cover past-due rent, mortgage payments, or utility bills from ComEd and Nicor if they are at risk of disconnection.

Niles Township also has an Emergency Assistance program for eligible residents. To qualify, individuals must have received a five-day eviction notice from their landlord or a disconnection notice from a utility company.

Suburban Cook County residents who are homeless or at risk of homelessness can call the Entry Point Call Center at 1-877-426-6515 for referrals to available assistance resources.

Food assistance is available through the Niles Township Food Pantry and the Humans At Help Foundation (HAHF).

For utility support, programs include the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), as well as payment assistance options from ComEd and Nicor Gas. The Health and Human Services Department can assist residents in applying for Nicor Gas bill help, including Energy Aide and Nicor Sharing programs. Residents seeking more information should call 847-933-8252.

Guidance on housing issues is available through the National Housing Law Project (NHLP), which provides information for those receiving U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) housing assistance.

For further questions or details about these programs, residents are encouraged to contact the Village of Skokie Health and Human Services Department at 847-933-8252. Additional resources and guidance are also offered by the Illinois Department of Human Services.