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Housing Instability Resources

Our homes should be stable and secure. Unfortunately, disasters, financial issues, and other problems can lead to housing insecurity. When those times occur, the Evanston area has a number of resources that students can seek out for assistance.

General and Financial Assistance for Housing Insecurity

Connections for the Homeless

Connections for the Homeless is a local agency serving anyone who faces any sort of housing insecurity, including homelessness. Some of the programs can provide things like security deposits and first month’s rent, among other things. To seek out assistance, students may take either of the following steps:

  1. Call the Suburban Cook County Call Center at 847.426.6515. The Center staff will assess your eligibility for an array of services, and then refer you to the right one. That may include Connections for the Homeless, but may also include other agencies and programs.
  2. Visit one of the Connections for the Homeless drop-sites in Evanston. The sites are open from 9-11 AM Monday-Friday, and Noon-2 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. The two sites are 1458 Chicago Avenue, and 2121 Dewey Avenue.

Cook County Legal Aid

Cook County Legal aid has programs to assist with resolving landlord-tenant disputes so as to avoid eviction. This can include referrals to rental assistance options, as well as a program (the Early Resolution Program) to mediate between tenants and landlords.  Visit their website at https://cookcountylegalaid.org. To inquire about the Early Resolution Program, call 855.956.5763.

St. Vincent DePaul

St. Vincent DePaul has two Evanston locations. They may be able to offer financial assistance, as well as in-kind services, for students in need. You can find them online at https://stvincentdepaulchicago.org/assistance/assistanceandservices. A phone number is 773.779.6700.

Utility Assistance

CEDA

CEDA is the main provider of utility assistance in the Evanston and Chicago areas. Their program starts October 1 (for priority cases) or November 1 (for everyone who meets the eligibility requirements, and disburses funds for assistance until they run out. The program ends each year in August. To apply, go to https://www.cedaorg.net/en/find-services/gas-and-electric.

ComEd

Typically, ComEd directs households using its services to CEDA. However, once CEDA funds run out, ComEd may support an alternative program. To learn more, go to https://www.comed.com/my-account/customer-support/payment-assistance.

Nicor Gas Sharing Program

Nicor, Evanston’s supplier of natural gas for stoves and heating, has a program of one-time annual grants to assist with the cost of service. To apply, you must visit the local Salvation Army community center. In Evanston, the center is located at 1403 Sherman Avenue. You can call the center at 847.866.9770 for any questions.