Grants for Women in Chicago

Chicago is one of the biggest cities in the country and is known for its skyscrapers. However, amidst all the hustle and bustle, sometimes it can be hard to keep up. If you are a women living in Chicago who is having trouble making ends meet, here are some of the most helpful grant-funded programs that can help.

Emergency Heating Repair Grant

Chicago’s winter can be brutal and we all only hope our home’s stand up to the weather. If you notice your roof or porch needs to be repaired or replaced but can’t afford it, you can turn to Chicago’s Emergency Heating Repair program. You apply and if chosen, will get a one-time grant to repair or replace your roof or porch. If you transfer the title of the home or cease to occupy it within one year, the grant turns into a loan which you have to pay back.

To qualify, your home must be in Chicago, not at risk of foreclosure, occupied by you, and habitable. Additionally, the gross income of all who are living in the home must be 80% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI). Learn more.

Women Infant Children Program (WIC)

WIC is funded by the federal government and run by the City of Chicago’s Department of Public Health. It is designed for women who are low-income and at nutritional risk and who are pregnant or have children 5 years old or younger. Those who qualify can receive nutrition and breastfeeding counseling, money for healthy food, and infant formula. If this sounds like a program that will benefit you, learn more here.

Emergency Rental Assistance

Sometimes life throws curveballs that we are not financially prepared for. If you have suffered a crisis such as losing your job, becoming ill, or having your house burn down, the emergency rental assistance program provides a one-time grant for up to $900. You can apply for this grant at a community service center or by calling 3-1-1. Learn more here.

All Chicago’s Programs to Prevent Homelessness

All Chicago is a great organization working to prevent homelessness. If you are at risk of losing your home, you can reach out. The organization has several programs including:

1.Flexible Financial Fund: Two grants are offered through this program. One helps pay for basic living expenses when an applicant is facing a crisis. The other helps cover basic living expenses while a head of household completes a program which can help them to get a better job.

2.Special Funds: These funds are set aside to help special target groups.

3.Chronic Homelessness Emergency Fund: This fund can help if you secure housing if you are homeless.

4.State Homelessness Prevention Fund:

5.Student Emergency Fund: If you are in college and face a crisis or transition that causes you to need financial assistance, this program can help you get it.

To learn more about any of these programs and to apply, click here.

Weatherization

If your energy costs are too high, you can contact the Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County (CEDA). CEDA will help you reduce your energy costs by making your home more energy efficient. It will also help you to pay your bill if you meet the eligibility requirements. You can reach them here.

Legal Aid

Are you facing a legal battle but don’t have the money to pay for representation? Don’t worry, there are several places you can turn in Chicago, including:

1.The Legal Aid Society: (312) 986-4200

2.Chicago Legal Clinic: (312) 226-2669

3.Chicago Volunteer Legal Services: (312) 332-1624

4.Chicago Legal Advocacy: (312) 675-0912

Get the legal advise you need so you can get through the situation.

Student Aid

If you need help paying for school in Chicago, there is no shortage of options. Check out the following grant programs:

1.Federal Pell Grant: Grants for undergraduate students at qualifying schools that are in financial need.

2.Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant: A grant supplemental to the Pell Grant which is given to students who have an exceptional financial need.

3.State of Illinois Monetary Award Program: A grant provided by the state that covers tuition and fees for Illinois residents in qualifying degree programs.

4.The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC): A program that administers grants to Illinois residents who meet the qualifications.

Learn more about student aid in Chicago here.

If you are a woman living in Chicago and need help, check out these grant-funded programs. You are not alone and can get help to get through whatever situation you may be going through.