UPDATES ON CITY SERVICES
UNDER THE BUSINESS AFFAIRS AND CONSUMER PROTECTION
The City's Home and Business Protection Program (HBPP) provides rebates up to certain limits that cover the costs of outdoor security cameras, one year of cloud storage for video footage, outdoor motion sensor lighting, vehicle GPS trackers, and subscription costs. All Chicago residents, as well as business, religious, and non-profit organizations are encouraged to take advantage of the program. To participate, purchase an eligible device(s) on or after 6/6/2022, take a photo of the installed device(s), submit a completed application, and receive financial reimbursement. The program is first-come, first-serve. It will run through December 31, 2024, or until funds are depleted, whichever comes first.
SBA PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM (PPP)
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provides loans to help businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. SBA is currently offering:
Rental Assistance Program & Emergency Mortgage Assistance (EMA):
The Department of Family and Support Services has announced the Rental Assistance Program (RAP) in an effort to prevent homelessness due to financial hardship. This program will provide payment of rent arrears for Cook County residents to prevent eviction and assistance in rent payment for those experiencing crisis or emergencies such as temporary loss of income, eviction notices, fire or flood, and domestic violence. This program only assists those currently in housing and is not designed to relocate homeless families from shelter to housing.
The State of Illinois may establish a new rental assistance program in 2021 to continue to provide housing aid to those impacted by COVID-19. The program is in development, and we encourage you to check this website (www.ihda.org) for future updates.
Chicago Housing Assistance Portal:
This portal can route you to the most appropriate of the four housing assistance programs available: DOH COVID-19 Housing Assistance Grants; DOH Mortgage Assistance Program; or the Illinois Housing Development Authority Statewide Housing Assistance [click here]
Free Legal Aid
Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing | Legal Aid Chicago |Chicago Volunteer Legal Services | City of Chicago- Tenant Lockout Know Your Rights
Other Housing Resources
Chicago Department of Housing | Metropolitan Tenants Organization | Lawyers Committee for Better Housing | Illinois Legal Aid | Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights
(click to view in other languages español, عربى, polski, and 中文)
Cash Assistance
The Farmworker & Landscaper Advocacy Project is providing one-time $500 cash assistance for those financially affected by COVID-19. Those employed in the landscaping, snow plowing, packing, cannery, farms, nursery, greenhouse, and meat and poultry industries and experiencing financial hardship due to the effort to contain COVID-19 are eligible for this assistance. To apply for this cash assistance program those affected can send their phone number, valid ID with current address, paystub, and an explanation of what you do at work to info@flapillinois.org.
Utility Billing Relief Program
The Mayor’s Office has launched the Utility Billing Relief UBR Program to help low-income residents come into compliance on water bill payments. This program will operate in partnership with CEDA of Cook County and helps to prevent residents from having to make difficult choices between paying for utilities and other critical goods and services. The UBR Program will provide Chicago residents with a reduced rate on water, sewer, and water-sewer tax; remove late payment penalties or debt collection activity; and debt forgiveness after successfully completing one year with no past due balance. For more information about the Utility Relief Program or to sign up please visit Chicago.gov/ubr
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provides loans to help businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. SBA is currently offering:
- First Draw PPP Loans for first time program participants
- Second Draw PPP Loans beginning January 13, 2021 for certain businesses who have previously received a PPP loan
Rental Assistance Program & Emergency Mortgage Assistance (EMA):
The Department of Family and Support Services has announced the Rental Assistance Program (RAP) in an effort to prevent homelessness due to financial hardship. This program will provide payment of rent arrears for Cook County residents to prevent eviction and assistance in rent payment for those experiencing crisis or emergencies such as temporary loss of income, eviction notices, fire or flood, and domestic violence. This program only assists those currently in housing and is not designed to relocate homeless families from shelter to housing.
The State of Illinois may establish a new rental assistance program in 2021 to continue to provide housing aid to those impacted by COVID-19. The program is in development, and we encourage you to check this website (www.ihda.org) for future updates.
Chicago Housing Assistance Portal:
This portal can route you to the most appropriate of the four housing assistance programs available: DOH COVID-19 Housing Assistance Grants; DOH Mortgage Assistance Program; or the Illinois Housing Development Authority Statewide Housing Assistance [click here]
Free Legal Aid
Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing | Legal Aid Chicago |Chicago Volunteer Legal Services | City of Chicago- Tenant Lockout Know Your Rights
Other Housing Resources
Chicago Department of Housing | Metropolitan Tenants Organization | Lawyers Committee for Better Housing | Illinois Legal Aid | Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights
(click to view in other languages español, عربى, polski, and 中文)
Cash Assistance
The Farmworker & Landscaper Advocacy Project is providing one-time $500 cash assistance for those financially affected by COVID-19. Those employed in the landscaping, snow plowing, packing, cannery, farms, nursery, greenhouse, and meat and poultry industries and experiencing financial hardship due to the effort to contain COVID-19 are eligible for this assistance. To apply for this cash assistance program those affected can send their phone number, valid ID with current address, paystub, and an explanation of what you do at work to info@flapillinois.org.
Utility Billing Relief Program
The Mayor’s Office has launched the Utility Billing Relief UBR Program to help low-income residents come into compliance on water bill payments. This program will operate in partnership with CEDA of Cook County and helps to prevent residents from having to make difficult choices between paying for utilities and other critical goods and services. The UBR Program will provide Chicago residents with a reduced rate on water, sewer, and water-sewer tax; remove late payment penalties or debt collection activity; and debt forgiveness after successfully completing one year with no past due balance. For more information about the Utility Relief Program or to sign up please visit Chicago.gov/ubr
