The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) announced today that due to an overwhelming response for food assistance from Chicago flood victims, the application schedule will be revised.
In response to the long lines that formed today, people are either being given tickets to return tomorrow and be seen by a caseworker or are being asked to return to the IDHS office Thursday or Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. each day said IDHS.
"We know that thousands of families are in need of food assistance as a result of the July flooding and we are working hard to sign up as many as people as we can as quickly as possible," said IDHS Acting Secretary Grace Hong Duffin. "We are also asking people to be sure they are eligible for this assistance before coming to the IDHS offices."
The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) has been working together with the State on this outreach effort.
"We are thrilled that the Federal government has provided the State with the resources we requested," said Jose Santiago, Executive Director, OEMC. "However, we are experiencing long lines in extreme heat, so I want to remind residents stay safe in very hot weather by following common sense recommendations from the Chicago Department of Public Health, such as drinking lots of fluids, take cool baths or showers, wear lose clothing and stay out of the heat as much as possible."
IDHS also reminded residents that they are not allowed to camp overnight at these locations or they will be asked to leave by law enforcement; also, residents are encouraged to pay attention to parking signs. Illegally parked cars will be towed.
The Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) announced Monday that they would begin offering immediate assistance for Northern Illinois flood victims, which includes residents of the City of Chicago.
To qualify, a person must have had damage to their home or business, disaster-related expenses that were not reimbursed, or a loss or reduction of income during the period of July 22, 2010 through Aug. 20, 2010.
Applicants must apply at one of the designated offices and complete a paper application. They must bring proof of their identity and their residence.
Disaster SNAP benefits will be provided to families based on total income and assets available to a household during the disaster. Non-reimbursed disaster-related expenses are allowed as a deduction from income and assets. A qualifying 2-person family with net income less than $1815 would receive $367 and a one person household with net income less than $1503 would receive $200. Most benefits will be available within 3 days of the date of application.
Chicago Application Centers include:
Humboldt Park
2753 West North Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647-5246
Phone: (773) 292-7200 (Voice)
Nextalk: (866) 439-3721
Fax: (773) 292-7224
Northwest
4105 W. Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60651-3698
Phone: (773) 265-7103(Voice)
Nextalk: (866) 321-9119
Fax: (773) 265-7103
Calumet Park
831 W 119th St
Chicago, IL 60643-5274
Phone: (773) 660-4700 (Voice)
Nextalk: (866) 439-3713
Fax: (773) 660-2335
Roseland
11203 South Ellis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60628-4696
Phone: (773) 660-7000 (Voice)
Nextalk: (866) 214-8514
Fax: (773) 660-2336
Oakland
610 West Root Street
Chicago, IL 60609-2669
Phone: (773) 579-4200 (Voice)
Nextalk: (866) 439-3712
Fax: (773) 579-4012
For more information about SNAP benefits or to find the nearest DHS location, please call DHS at 1-800-843-6154.
