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Emergency assistance: Getting help when a money crisis hits

Kayce T. Ataiyero | Consumerland

March 17, 2009

The economic downturn is hitting people who are struggling for the first time in their lives.

"We're seeing people who have never looked for help before: plumbers, real estate agents, we even had an attorney," said Nonie Brennan, executive director of the Emergency Fund, a non-profit that provides emergency financial assistance to needy individuals and families. "There's a whole new demographic."

Like many social service agencies, the Emergency Fund has seen a sharp uptick in clients this year. Brennan attributes much of that increase to first-timers, including many who don't know where to begin looking for the help they need.

For those people as well as anyone who could use a helping hand, I've compiled the following list of contacts for emergency assistance services. This guide is not intended to be comprehensive—there are too many agencies to name them all. Rather, I hope it serves as a starting point for you and takes some of the anxiety out of seeking help. There's a good chance that you'll find what you need if you contact the following agencies:

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In Chicago, residents can call 311 and ask for short-term help. You will be asked questions about your situation and routed to an organization such as the Emergency Fund for help with everything from rental assistance and utility payments to clothing and medical equipment needs. emergencyfund.org

•Catholic Charities provides a variety of services, including emergency shelter, financial assistance, food and clothing. Chicago residents can connect to the organization by calling 311. Outside Chicago, call 312-655-7700 and you'll be referred to the nearest regional office for help. catholiccharities.net.

•Cook County residents can call the Community and Economic Development Association at 312-795-8844. Its energy hot line is 800-571-CEDA. cedaorg.net.

•DuPage County residents should contact the county's Human Services Department at 630-407-6500. dupageco.org/humanservices.

•Lake County residents who need rental and utility assistance should call Catholic Charities at 847-782-4000, the Salvation Army at 847-336-1880 or the Community Action Partnership of Lake County at 847-249-4330. In addition, FindHelpLakeCounty.org is a searchable guide for a wide range of human services in the county.

•The McHenry County Housing Authority at 815-338-7752 offers rental assistance, emergency shelter and utility assistance. mchenrycountyhousing.org.

•The Will County Center for Community Concerns, at 815-722-0722, also has a 24-hour crisis information and referral service line at 815-722-3344. Among the available services are rental and utility assistance, prescription drug assistance and employment support. wcccc.net.

•In addition to local support, Illinois residents can reach out to the state Department of Human Services for everything from emergency services to child care. The DHS help line is 800-843-6154. www.dhs.state.il.us.