Emergency Assistance

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must be a resident of the State of Illinois and reside in the City of Evanston.
• Must not be eligible for General Assistance.
• Must be income eligible.
• Must have documentation of the emergency.
• Household gross at or below HUD 80% Median income for mortgage and condominium assessment fees.

• Proof of income for at least the past 30 days for all members of the household 18 years of age or older (check stubs with social security number, name, and pay period: UCB letter, SSI letter, etc.)  If a household includes foster children on the application, the household will be required to provide proof of income that is being received for foster children.
• All members of the household documented (Social Security Card, Birth Certificates, etc.)
• Current Lease/Landlord Rental Verification, Mortgage Statement, or Condominium Association Payment Booklet/Notice.
• Mortgage Delinquency Notice, Pending court order for eviction, or 10/5 Day Delinquency Notice for an individual seeking delinquent rental assistance.  Referral from the Housing Counseling Agency required.
• Utility Bills and Utility Disconnect Notice.
• Documentation of the emergency (i.e., letter from IDHS)
• Proof of payment toward mortgage, condo assessment fee, rent, and or utilities.
• If applicable, Housing Choice Voucher approval and the amount being paid for rent.
• If applicable, proof that you have applied for Unemployment Compensation Benefits, Social Security, Supplemental Social Security, TANF, etc.
• Bank statements for the past 30 days.
• Proof of reason why the emergency occurred (i.e., proof of loss of wages, reduction in unemployment, illness, interruption in food stamps, burial expenses, car repairs on the vehicle for work, natural disasters, etc.)
• Rental & Mortgage Assistance

Delinquent rent and mortgage assistance is paid directly to the landlord or financial institution once a client presents a 10-day or 5-day notice from the landlord or court order for eviction proceeding, and for those who meet other eligibility guidelines.

If you are more than one month delinquent, or your monthly mortgage exceeds the Emergency Assistance maximum payment level, you must first pay or make arrangements to pay the difference before assistance can be provided.

• Rental payment assistance
• Mortgage payment assistance
• Condominium Assessment Fee Assistance
  • The City of Evanston assists due to the State of Illinois allowing Condominum Association to take possession of an owner's unit for non-payment. An applicant may apply for assistance with delinquent monthly condominium assessment fees.  This amount can only cover one month. An applicant is not eligible to apply for both mortgage assistance and condominium assessment fee assistance.
• Utility payment assistance
  • Provided for heating gas, electric, water, and homes that provide heat through oil tanks instead of natural gas. Payment will not be made if it doesn't alleviate the potential disconnect or assist in restoring the utility service. 
• Child care assistance
  • On a case-by-case basis, the City only provides this in situations of extreme hardship or threat to the family's livelihood. Payment will be made to only Evanston-licensed child care providers for qualifying residents. 
• Food
  • Provided on a need basis through food vouchers. A family or individual may receive food assistance under these two categories: Categorical Basis or Emergency Food Program.