Help with Bills in Illinois
The ever rising cost of living greatly affects low-income earners, particularly single mothers. They often struggle to make ends meet and this leaves them vulnerable and exposed to many dangers that can affect their quality of life. To avoid those issues, several companies and organizations have established programs to offer to single mothers and those in need in order to enhance the living standards of the areas in which they are operational. This article will elaborate on a few selected organizations in the State of Illinois and how access the assistance services provided.
Help with Water Bills
Illinois American Water assists its customers to develop a plan to pay the balance of their bill over time. Single mothers who are facing financial hardships, can enroll in a payment plan of up to 24 months. Those who are not experiencing a financial challenges, but need more time to settle their account, can register for the 18-month payment plan. There is no down payment required for the 24 month program while the other program requires a down payment. https://www.amwater.com/ilaw/Customer-Service-Billing/customer-assistance-program
Help with Healthcare and Medical Bills
The Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA) helps patients who are unable to pay their hospital bills. The organization also assists patients to have access to healthcare financial assistance. The Illinois Office of Attorney General’s (OAG) recommended the elements to be included in the financial assistance application form amongst other things. https://www.team-iha.org/finance/charity-care-financial-assistance/hospital-financial-assistance
Help with Food and Meals
Northern Illinois Food Bank provides nutritious food, and modern feeding programs. The nonprofit organization aims to solve hunger. They are supported by volunteers, donors, food manufacturers, and community partners such as the food pantries, retailers, feeding programs, companies, and individuals. The Food Bank offers food through soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters, youth centers. The donated food is acquired straight from manufacturers, and retail stores through their Direct Connect and Food Recovery programs. https://solvehungertoday.org/
Help with Household Items
Recycling for Families (RFF) is a non-profit organization with a program known as Recycle Furniture for Families (RF4F). They collaborate with local social service agencies and churches that work with families in need. For single moms to be eligible for the program, they must be a client of a local organization and the request for assistance is issued by the caseworker in the form of a fax. Successful applicants will receive a Client Agreement within 2 days, as well as additional information on the RF4F program. The organization will then contact the clients with the approved referrals to schedule an appointment to choose the furniture they need. They work with single mom who balance a job, caring for their child, and being a college student. https://rf4f.org/
Help with Clothes
The Bridge to Success organization aims to enhance job opportunities for at-risk women, and young adults through their service which provides quality workplace and interview appropriate clothing. They also assist to prepare for the interview through coaching, boosting self-confidence through appearance which will make single mothers feel like they belong in the workplace environment. http://thebridgetosuccess.org/
The Safer Foundation is a non-profit-organization that provides educational, employment, and supportive services to those in need. Their services include job placement and training, education assistance, community and housing engagement, behavioral health services, and advocacy work. They can help single mothers in updating their resume, getting an ID, getting a high school diploma, acquiring permanent employment, and getting a transitional job. The organization aims to assist people to build towards a better future. They offer clothing assistance to clients who are scheduled for a job interview to enhance their chances of gaining employment. https://saferfoundation.org/how-we-help/supportive-services/clothing-assistance/
