Native Americans living in the city of Chicago will find numerous grant and assistance programs they can turn to if they are experiencing financial hardship. The programs help those in need to pay for their housing, pay utility bills, obtain food, cover the costs of healthcare, and more. Some of the programs open to Native Americans in Chicago are funded by the federal government, while others are funded through the state government and nonprofit organizations. If you find a grant or assistance program you are interested in, be sure to verify the application process and eligibility requirements, because they do vary by program.
Housing assistance for Native Americans:
There are several housing grant programs to help those who need assistance obtaining affordable housing or paying for their rent or mortgage. The HUD (Housing and Urban Development) program is available to Native Americans in Chicago. The federally-funded program helps people pay for rent, avoid foreclosure, pay their mortgage, and obtain necessary home repairs. To qualify for the program you have to meet low income requirements, be a citizen or legal alien, and have proof of identity. To apply, you must first call and speak with a HUD counselor about your current financial situation and housing needs. The City of Chicago offers an Emergency Rental Assistance program, which helps people who have lost their job, had a home fire, or an illness. They provide a one-time grant up to $900 to help cover one month’s rental payment. To apply, visit your local Community Service Center or call 3-1-1. Additionally, the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) offers a Housing Choice Voucher program, which helps low income families to rent quality housing. There is a wait list for the program and applications are chosen on a lottery basis. Eligibility requirements include meeting income limits, being a citizen or legal immigrant, having a social security number, and passing a screening process. To apply, visit your local CHA office.
++ Popular grants for native americans
- $5,000 Grant from the Walmart Foundation Community Grant Program
- $7,500 Grant from Halstead
- $500 Grant for Artists
- $10,000 Amber Grant
- $1,500 Soroptimist Club Grant
- $10,000 Vegetarian Resource Group grant
- $5,000 Wendy’s High School Heisman Grant
- $10,000 Tylenol Future Care grant
- $5,000 Chevron grant
- $2,000 Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund
Energy grants for Native Americans:
Native Americans in Chicago who need assistance paying for their heating bill may qualify for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The program provides a grant once a year to help pay heating bills. To qualify, you have to meet the low income requirements, provide your current heating bill, have a social security number for everyone in your home, and show your rental agreement. You can apply for LIHEAP by contacting your local CEDA Energy Service Site.
Food assistance for Native Americans:
Those who need help obtaining food in Chicago may qualify for the federally-funded food stamp program called SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). The program provides those who qualify with a monthly grant that can be used to purchase food. Eligibility requirements include meeting low income requirements, having proof of your identity and address, having a social security number for each person on your application, and participating in an interview during the application process. You can apply for SNAP at your local Family Community Resource Center. There are numerous places in Chicago where you can get free food, including meals and boxes of food to take home. They typically do not have a strict application process. Use the Greater Chicago Food Depository site to find a location near you. Native American women in Chicago who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or who have children ages five and under may qualify for the WIC (Women, Infant & Children) program. The program provides a monthly grant to purchase healthy food. To apply, visit your local WIC clinic.
Cash grants for Native Americans:
Native Americans living in Chicago who need cash grants to help with living expenses may qualify for the program called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The program provides a time-limited cash grant to help with a variety of living expenses, including clothing, housing, food, transportation, and more. To qualify, you have to meet low income requirements, be pregnant or have children ages 19 and under that live in the home, live in the state of Illinois, be a citizen or legal alien, and develop a plan for self-sufficiency. You can apply for TANF online or by visiting your local DHS office.
Healthcare assistance for Native Americans:
The Department of Human Services in Chicago has several healthcare programs available to help those who meet the low income requirements. The programs include All Kids, which provides healthcare assistance to children, Family Planning, Medicaid, WIC, and more. Your particular circumstances would help determine which of the programs you are best suited for. For each of the programs you will need to be low income, be a citizen or legal alien, and have proof of identity. The programs help provide healthcare for those in need, including covering the costs of doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and dental care. You can apply for the programs by visiting your local DHS office.
Links to assistance programs for Native Americans in Chicago: