As evidence mounts that more and more people in the county are seeking assistance with basic needs like food, housing and utilities, the Lake County Homeless Prevention Program may be the answer for some families.
Waukegan Township Supervisor Marc Jones, who administers the program, said a year ago that the program, funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services, provided $200,000 in assistance to 47 people throughout the county. More likely may be seeking a share of the $200,000 this year.
“During our monthly food distribution, we normally see 60 to 80 people,” Jones said. “Last month, 140 people came. We can tell people are struggling. We’re seeing an increase in the number of people coming to us for assistance.”
The Homeless Prevention Program began taking applications on Wednesday in Waukegan and other locations throughout the county to provide assistance to individuals who may have incurred a temporary setback in their ability to meet their housing needs.
“The Homeless Prevention Program assists households in immediate danger of eviction, foreclosure or homelessness, or those who are currently homeless,” Jones said. “The household must document a temporary economic crisis beyond its control.”
Eric Foote, the president of the Lake County Coalition for the Homeless and the director of finance and operations for PADS Lake County, said the program, which can come at a crucial time for someone in a financial crisis, is a good one.
“It is very simple in how it works in that people demonstrate a legitimate housing crisis and financial assistance can be made available to keep them from exacerbating that crisis, and keep them housed where they live, keep them in their home,” Foote said.
Though all applicants may not qualify for help through the program, Jones said that by noon, 43 people had requested applications. The program is designed for people who need help with their mortgage, rent, a security deposit, or a utility bill.
There is one absolute requirement.
‘If you cannot demonstrate your income is equal to your expenses, you will be denied,“ Jones said. “This program provides a valuable resource to help alleviate the temporary economic crisis experienced by homeowners. It is unique for a program like this to be available to homeowners.”
Assistance is available to people who need help with their mortgage, rent, utility — gas, water or electric — bills or making a security deposit. Jones said Waukegan Township is the only entity helping with mortgages.
Joining the township in the program, helping with rent, utilities, or security deposits are PADS, the Lake County Housing Authority, and Prairie State Legal Services. Those who received assistance in the past 24 months are not eligible.
“The household must document a temporary economic crisis beyond its control and must be able to demonstrate an ability to meet the prospective obligations after the assistance has been granted based on current or anticipated income,” Jone said.
While facing eviction or foreclosure is the most common need, he said temporary obstacles to meet those costs can include loss of employment, medical disability or emergency, a natural disaster, being a crime victim, or loss or delay of some form of public benefit, like Social Security.
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Applications are available online or at the Waukegan Township office. Once the application is complete, Jones said a case manager will contact the applicant for assessment and documents to determine eligibility. Proof of financial hardship and proof of financial sustainability are required.
Circumstances like job loss can be overcome. Jones said unemployed applicants must show proof of new employment on the horizon, or approval for unemployment benefits. Immediate need is crucial for acceptance. People must show that their shortfall is temporary.
“People may use some rent or mortgage funds for the month to pay an excessively high utility bill that may require payment to prevent disconnection,” he said. “This would also count as an immediate need, as they would fall behind on rent to pay utilities.”