|
For over 36 years,
Respond Now,
a United Way Agency, has been providing service and answering the emergency
needs of South Suburban Chicago residents.
Respond
Now attempts
to help all people who have a genuine need. We attempt to provide our
services in a manner that maintains dignity and choice. We treat our clients
as individuals and maintain a supportive environment for individuals who are
in need. In addition to emergency food, our other principal programs are
Homelessness Prevention by giving monetary assistance for rents and
utilities, vouchers for prescribed medications and the Mother & Child
Program (MAC), a federal food program serving women, children and seniors.
Respond
Now serves
about 33 Chicago South Suburban communities. The overall area we serve
is
characterized by the highest levels of poverty, welfare cases, unemployment
rates and number of Section 8 housing units of all of suburban Chicago. It
is estimated that between 5,000 and 10,000 people annually face homelessness
in the southern suburbs. The fastest growing demographic group experiencing
homelessness is composed of women and children.
Although many of our clients are regulars, many are also
referred to us by other human service agencies in our area because of our
excellent reputation and our willingness to tackle emergency problems in a
speedy and supportive manner. In addition to the programs and services
mentioned above, we offer practical counseling and referral services. |
|
The objective of the
Respond
Now
Homelessness Prevention Program is to stabilize families in their existing
homes, shorten the amount of time that families stay in shelters and assist
families with securing affordable housing.
Homelessness Prevention can come in many forms. Presently,
Respond Now
is focusing on increasing the availability of rent/mortgage and utility
assistance funds. Often uncontrollable circumstances, such as illness in the
family, car trouble, or loss of a job, can result in a temporary inability
to pay rent. This may result in eviction. Once homeless, people are without
an address, phone, or safe nighttime residence, it becomes even more
difficult to find work, childcare, food, and a home. If resources are
available to help pay rent or avoid a utility shutoff, a family or
individual can avoid the financial and psychological devastation of
homelessness.
Eligibility: Household is in eminent danger of eviction, foreclosure or
homelessness, or Household is currently homeless.
Also the Household must
document a temporary economic crisis beyond the household’s control.
Applicant must be able to demonstrate the ability to meet
the prospective rental/mortgage/utility obligations based on current or
anticipated income.
The Homelessness Prevention Program is an ongoing service at
Respond Now
and we believe we are accomplishing our stated goal. However,
the need for assistance is currently much greater than the resources
available. |
