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Youth Crisis Housing Advocacy is a grant from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) supporting organizations that provide housing stability services to current and former youth in DCFS care. The program offers housing advocacy—including help securing affordable housing and linkages to community resources—to youth ages 17. 5 to 21 who aged out of care or are within six months of case closure.
The program does not provide direct cash but connects youth to income sources, employment assistance, and follow-up services for at least three months after housing is secured. Funding of $440,196 supports community-based providers in Illinois delivering these services.
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Housing and Cash Assistance for Current and Former Youth in Care Heidi E. Mueller, Director Housing and Cash Assistance for Current and Former Youth in Care Norman Emergency Cash Assistance and housing locator service Norman Services help families who have children who are in danger of coming into DCFS care (or cannot be returned home from DCFS care) due to lack of food, clothing, housing or other basic human needs.
The program provides the following three services: Cash assistance to purchase items needed to care for the children that the client cannot afford to purchase themselves. Assistance finding housing. A waiver to allow families to apply for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) so that children in DCFS custody can be returned home within 90 days.
For more information, read the Norman Services brochure in English or Spanish . DCFS Youth Housing Advocacy Program Housing Advocacy services assist youth in obtaining and/or maintaining stable housing. Services include: Assistance in securing affordable housing.
Linkages to community-based resources (i.e. assistance with utilities, clothing and food). Follow-up services, for a minimum of three months after appropriate housing is secured. Note: Housing Advocacy does not include any money.
Youth receiving housing advocacy services must meet all three of the following criteria: Be at least 17 ½ and less than 21 years of age. Be legally the responsibility of DCFS within six months of case closure or have aged out of DCFS care. Youth who entered adoption or subsidized guardianship after their 14th birthday are also eligible.
Have an income that is sufficient to meet rent and utility costs; or be working on obtaining that income. While housing advocacy can begin before income is in place, it is extremely unlikely that youth will be able to secure housing without sufficient income. Housing advocates can often help with employment.
For more information about the Youth Housing Advocacy Program, youth who were once in DCFS care should contact the YHAP coordinator at 312-328-2159 and read the Housing Advocacy Program brochure in English and Spanish . DCFS Youth Housing Assistance Program DCFS may provide Cash Assistance to help current or former youth in care attain or maintain housing stability. Cash Assistance will vary depending the youth’s situation.
Cash assistance may be authorized for: Housing security deposit. Rent (limited circumstances). Beds for you and your children.
Current utility bills or utility deposits. Partial housing subsidy for a period of one year following case closure. Your DCFS case must be closed before you can obtain the partial housing subsidy.
Housing costs must exceed 30% of income and assistance cannot continue past your 21st birthday). Other items required to avoid or manage a crisis. Youth receiving Cash Assistance must meet all four of the following criteria: Be at least 18 and less than 21 years of age.
Be legally the responsibility of DCFS and ready for case closure or have aged out of DCFS care. Youth who moved to adoption or subsidized guardianship are NOT eligible for cash assistance). Have completed a budget statement ( Form CFS 370-5C ) that demonstrates that with any subsidy and all other income they will be able to cover all remaining living expenses (e.g. housing, utilities, clothing, food).
Need cash assistance to attain or maintain stable housing. Read the Youth Housing Assistance tip sheet in English or Spanish and brochure in English or Spanish for more information. Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Program FYI is a housing choice voucher (HCV, commonly referred to as “Section 8”) for youth who are aging out, or who have aged out, of DCFS care.
With an FYI housing choice voucher youth will pay approximately 30% of their income on rent and the housing authority pays the rest. Youth should talk to their caseworker or contact the DCFS Office of Housing and Cash Assistance at 312-328-2157 or DCFS. FYI.
Liaison@illinois. gov for help with the referral process. For more information, read the FYI Program brochure in English , Spanish or Polish .
The Illinois Department of Human Services provides services to help youth who are homeless or to prevent youth from becoming homeless. These services include shelter, transitional living programs and outreach. Youth ages 14-20 can access services including case management, food, clothing, life skills training, education and job services.
Find a provider . Need help or want to know more? The Illinois Housing Handbook, available in English and Spanish , provides a wealth of information to help make obtaining and maintaining housing easier and less confusing, especially for first-time renters.
Foster Care, Guardianship and Adoption How to Report Child Abuse or Neglect 312-814-6800 217-785-2509 800-232-3798 217-524-2029 This website is intended to provide information about services and resources for children and families in Illinois. For emergency services, please call 911
Based on current listing details, eligibility includes: Community-based providers in Illinois Applicants should confirm final requirements in the official notice before submission.
Current published award information indicates $440,196 Always verify allowable costs, matching requirements, and funding caps directly in the sponsor documentation.
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