How can we help?
Homelessness
What issue are you facing?
Where to get help
I am at-risk for or currently experiencing homelessness, what should I do?
HUD supports many organizations that provide housing assistance and/or supportive services to people.
HUD is not a direct service provider. For direct assistance, please dial 2-1-1 and contact a homeless service provider in your area.
- General - Dial 211 or call IDHS Helpline at 1-833-2-FIND-HELP (1-833-234-6343) or United Way Location Finder: United Ways in Illinois
- Cook County: call 1-877-426-6515 (8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday) or go online
- Chicago:
- For overnight shelter in Chicago, call 3-1-1 for assistance by phone and request “short-term assistance.” Visit a Community Service Center
- For Rapid Rehousing our other rental assistance to prevent homelessness, All Chicago Coordinated Entry: Go to Coordinated Entry System - All Chicago to find a walk-in center, or call (312) 361-1707
- IL Homeless Prevention Providers
- Contact a homeless service provider
- Veterans:
- Contact the VA medical center near you and mention your interest in Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) or find instructions for contacting the National Homeless Veteran Call Center here. You may also call the Veterans Affairs Emergency Housing Hotline for assistance at (877) 424-3838
- Veterans National Call Center
Additional help can be found at: 1-877-4AID VET (877-424-3838).
- Seniors:
- Eldercare Assistance
This site serves as a gateway to a wide range of resources for seniors, their families, and caregivers, focusing on local services and support for various needs, including housing assistance. Call or text 1-800-677-1116 for help.
- Eldercare Assistance
- Persons Experiencing Violence:
- IL Domestic Violence Hotline - 1-877-TO END DV or 1-877-863-6338 (Voice)
- For domestic violence assistance in Chicago, call 3-1-1 for assistance by phone.
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Affordable Places to Live
What issue are you facing?
Where to get help
I am in search of affordable places to live, where can I get help?
HUD supports many organizations that provide housing assistance and/or supportive services to people.
HUD is not a direct service provider.
You can speak to a HUD Approved Housing Counselor for advice on your specific housing needs.
Search online for a HUD Approved Housing Counselor near you or call (800) 569-4287.
City of Chicago affordable housing:
- The City of Chicago has a list of affordable housing on their website - Housing Resources in Chicago
HUD Assisted Housing:
- Multifamily Housing
- HUD provides rental assistance through privately-owned, HUD-assisted multifamily properties. At these properties, the amount of rent that you pay is based on your income.
- To apply use our resource locator to find participating properties and contact the apartment management office at the property.
- Public Housing
- Contact your Local Public Housing Authority to inquire about information about public housing programs (Housing Choice Vouchers HUD Facts, Public Housing).
- Find a list of Public Housing Authority contacts by State or call (800) 955-2232 for help to find your local Public Housing Authority.
- Information for Senior Citizens
- Information for Persons with Disabilities
- Information for Persons Experiencing Violence
- Information for Veterans. For additional information, please contact the Veterans National Call Center at: 1-877-4AID VET (877-424-3838)
What additional housing resources (external to HUD) are available to me?
City of Chicago affordable housing:
- The City of Chicago has a list of affordable housing on their website - Housing Resources in Chicago
State of IL affordable housing:
- IL Housing Search
This is a free, online resource for renters and property providers in Illinois. Search for affordable, accessible, and market-rate housing that will fit your needs and budget
Persons Experiencing Violence:
- IL Domestic Violence Hotline - 1-877-TO END DV or 1-877-863-6338 (Voice)
- For domestic violence assistance in Chicago, call 3-1-1 for assistance by phone.
I need rental assistance (i.e. Section 8) from HUD, am I eligible and how do I apply?
HUD Does not provide emergency rental assistance.
For emergency rental assistance:
- Illinois Department of Human Services Housing Help Program (statewide rental and utility assistance).
-Eligible tenants and landlords can apply for the ERA program by contacting any of the agencies. - Contact RENTAL HELP: ILLINOIS
- See additional information on ERA programs on Rental Help: Illinois and by using the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Tool
- Contact your local Community Action Agency
- In Chicago and Cook County contact Cook County Legal Aid for Housing & Debt or (855) 956-5763
For long term rental assistance:
- Public Housing provides decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly and persons with disabilities. HUD provides federal aid to local Public Housing Authorities (PHA) that manage public housing for low-income residents at rents they can afford.
- Eligibility: Public Housing is limited to low-income families and individuals. A Public Housing Authority determines eligibility based on 1) annual gross income, 2) whether you qualify as elderly, a person with disabilities or as a family, and 3) U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status.
- To apply, contact your local Public Housing Authority.
Housing Choice Voucher (commonly known as Section 8)
- The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program assists low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe and sanitary housing in the private market. Housing assistance is provided through HUD on behalf of the family or individual, so participants can find their own housing. You can use an HCV to pay for all or part of the rent.
- Eligibility: A Public Housing Authority will determine eligibility for the housing choice voucher program based on the total annual gross income and family size, U.S. citizenship and specified categories of non-citizens who have eligible immigration status.
- To apply, contact your local Public Housing Authority. During the application process, a Public Housing Authority will collect information on family income, assets and family composition. The Public Housing Authority will use this information to determine program eligibility and the amount of the housing assistance payment.
Homeownership
What issue are you facing?
Where to get help
Where can I get information about becoming a homeowner?
- Learn more about homebuying from HUD's website or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
- Speak with a HUD Approved Housing Counselor about becoming a homeowner.
A HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency can offer advice customized to your housing needs. Search online for a HUD Approved Housing Counselor near you or call (800) 569-4287. - Refer to IHDA programs
How do I learn about Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans and programs?
- Find the answer online
- Email us
- Call toll-free(800) CALL-FHA (800-225-5342)
TTY: Dial 7-1-1 (Not available in all areas)
I am interested in buying a HUD home, where can I find information about HUD homes?
- Use the HUD Home Store to find HUD homes for sale
I need to know how to pay off my FHA loan, where do I find this information?
- Find Information on my FHA loan
- Use the SMART Integrated Portal to make a request and begin the subordination process (see SMART FAQs & Resources)
- Contact a Secretary-Held Mortgage Servicing Contractor
I need home improvements, what are my options?
- There are various federal loan programs and community-based programs to help with home repairs and improvements. Learn more about HUD’s Home Improvements programs
- Contact your local CDBG program to see if homeowner resources are available.
- If you have more questions, contact the FHA Resource Center
Email: answers@hud.gov
Call: (800) 225-5342 - Single Family Resources
- Housing Counseling resources - refer to the Consumer Financing Protection Bureau housing counselor lookup tool
- Local Illinois rehab resources:
- USDA Rural Development local office - housing repair and rehabilitation loans
I am facing foreclosure, what can I do?
- Speak with a HUD Approved Housing Counselor about becoming a homeowner. A HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency can offer advice customized to your housing needs. Search online for a HUD Approved Housing Counselor near you
- Check out the FHA guides for help if you're struggling to pay your mortgage. A Spanish version will be available soon.
I am worried about lead-based paint, where can I find information about it?
Report Housing Discrimination
What issue are you facing?
Where to get help
I need to report housing discrimination, where do I go?
* The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), familial status, or disability.
* The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), familial status, or disability.
- Please visit the Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Page
- File a complaint with HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) Office:
- Online
- Call: (800) 347-3739
Rent Relief & Eviction Resources
What issue are you facing?
Where to get help
I am facing eviction, what can I do?
HUD supports many organizations that provide housing assistance and/or supportive services to people.
HUD is not a direct service provider. For direct assistance, please refer to the following resources:
Chicago and Cook County:
- Cook County Legal Aid for Housing & Debt (Chicago & Cook County) or (855) 956-5763
HUD Assisted Tenants:
- If you are living in a HUD-assisted building, learn about your Resident Rights and Responsibilities
- If you are a public housing resident contact your public housing authority.
General:
- What to Do if You are Facing Eviction
- Contact a local legal assistance organization.
- Find additional information on tenant rights and legal assistance resources on Tenant Rights, Laws and Protections: Illinois
- Speak with a HUD Approved Housing Counselor to help avoid eviction:
A HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency can offer advice customized to help you prevent eviction. Search online for a HUD Approved Housing Counselor near you or call (800) 569-4287. - Eviction Help Illinois or (855) 621-0811: Free legal aid, mediation services, and connections to other resources including rental assistance to increase housing stability. Mediation is an opportunity for landlords and tenants to resolve issues the help of a knowledgeable and neutral person.
- Illinois court-based rental assistance is available for renters that are already in eviction court. For help outside of Cook County go to: www.illinoishousinghelp.org/cbrap. For court-based assistance in Cook County see Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt. See contact below.
- Go to Rental Help: Illinois to find emergency rental assistance programs
I need rental payment assistance, where can I get help?
Rental payment assistance in Illinois comes through the following resources:
- Cook County Legal Aid for Housing & Debt (Chicago & Cook County) or (855) 956-5763
- Eviction Help Illinois (855-621-0811)
- Go to Rental Help: Illinois to find emergency rental assistance programs
I need utility payment assistance, where can I get help?
- Contact your local government office, find your local community action agency in Illinois
- Contact the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Hotline at (800) 246-4221
Speak to a Housing Counselor
What issue are you facing?
Where to get help
I'd like to speak with a housing counselor, what can they assist me with?
- Becoming a homeowner
- Foreclosure assistance
- Reverse mortgages
- Home improvements/repairs to my home
- Renting
Speak with a HUD Approved Housing Counselor. A HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency can offer advice customized to your housing needs.
- Search online for a HUD Approved housing counselor near you or call (800) 569-4287,or try the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Tool
Housing Quality & Improved Living Conditions
What issue are you facing?
Where to get help
I am in HUD funded housing, where can I find information about my property/unit inspection?
- Resident Information
- REAC Real Estate Assessment Center
What are housing quality standards?
I am worried about lead-based paint. Where can I find this information?
What are my options for home improvement?
- USDA Rural Development local office - housing repair and rehabilitation loans
- There are various federal loan programs and community-based programs to help with home repairs and improvements. Learn more about HUD’s Home Improvements programs
- Contact a HUD-approved housing counseling agency or call (800) 569-4287
- Review home repair resources
- Illinois weatherization
- Chicago
- USDA Rural rehab
- If you have more questions, contact the FHA Resource Center
Email: answers@hud.gov
Call: (800) 225-5342
Disaster Resources
What issue are you facing?
Where to get help
I have experienced a disaster and need to register with FEMA. What do I do?
- Immediately after a disaster, FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and other government agencies offer initial assistance. HUD then provides additional support for ongoing recovery through programs and partnerships.
- Register with FEMA online at: www.disasterassistance.gov
- Register through FEMA’s disaster app on your smartphone. If you haven’t downloaded the app yet, you can go to www.fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/mobile-products
- Call (800) 621-3362. Phone lines are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time, seven days a week until further notice. Multilingual operators are on duty.
I have experienced a disaster and need to reach out to my Local Red Cross for help. Where do I go?
- Reach out to your local Red Cross
I experienced a disaster and need help.
- HUD Disaster Resources
- HUD Disaster Line: Call 1-800-304-9320 or email recovery@hud.gov
- Speak with a HUD Approved Housing Counselor. A HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency can offer advice customized to your housing needs. Search online for a HUD Approved Housing Counselor near you or call (800) 569-4287 OR, or reach out to Wyoming’s HUD Approved Housing Counselor: Wyoming Housing Network (307) 472-5843
My Local Office Information
For assistance at all times, we encourage you to utilize the self-help resources above.
If you are unable to have your questions answered from the resources above, please click on the Need More Help button below to contact your local office for further assistance.
Illinois Field Office
77 West Jackson Blvd, Ste 2608
Chicago, IL 60604
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Phone: (312) 353-6236
TTY: Dial 7-1-1 (Not available in all areas)
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Fax: (312) 913-8293
Kimberley Danna, Field Office Director
Interested in learning more about what HUD is doing in your community?
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⚠ In Crisis? Call or Text 988
HOUSING INSTABILITY CAN BE VERY DISTRESSING
If you are struggling, in crisis, or need help for yourself or someone else, please call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to get connected with a trained listener. This lifeline provides emotional support to people who are experiencing emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in the United States.
SAMHSA Helpline:
This Helpline provides 24-hour free and confidential help. You can get treatment referrals and information about mental health and drug or alcohol use disorders, prevention, and recovery in English and Spanish.
- Call: 1-800-662-4357
- TTY: 1-800-487-4889
- Text your ZIP code to: 435748
- Visit SAMHSA's National Helpline
