Free telephone hotline where people talk directly to attorneys who offer legal advice and assistance, often solving problems in a single call. 

Cook County’s largest provider of free legal services. CARPLS also helps low- and moderate-income Illinoisans through special projects.

Do you have a smoke detector? Do you have a working Carbon Monoxide detector? If not, the Chicago Fire Department (CFD) will install them in your home free of charge.

The Chicago Seniors At Risk Assessment Program provides free fire/fall safety assessments for individuals ages 65 or over and those with a disability. Chicago Fire Department members will assess the home for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, as well as other fire and fall hazards. Contact CFD at (312) 747-6691.

The Chicago Community Land Trust (CCLT) provides working individuals and families with opportunities to purchase their own homes at prices they can afford, along with a network of support to help ensure their ongoing success.

If turned around, troubled buildings can have a revitalizing effect on the surrounding community. The troubled Building Initiative (TBI) is a tool to help reclaim troubled and abandoned building that create dangerous and hazardous conditions. If you have a troubled building on your lock, contact 311's non- emergency line.

Two lead service line replacement programs for homeowners who would like to replace their lead service lines: 

• Equity Lead Service Line Replacement Program (income restricted) 

• Homeowner Initiated Lead Service Line Replacement Program (not income restricted)

The City of Chicago has services available to help residents cope safely with extreme weather conditions. Make a special effort to check on your friends and neighbors during a heat wave. 

Click below for a list of Cooling Centers and contact 311 to: 

• Request a well-being check for someone 

• Locate a Cooling Center near you

The City of Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) with ASI NE Healthcare Services is offering Short-Term Chore and Heavy-Duty Chore Services for seniors with the goal to strengthen the ability of elderly to live independently and safely in their homes. For more information, contact DFSS at (312) 744-4016 or call 311.

The private sewer drain moves waste from the home to the main sewer and is owned by the homeowner. Repairs can be covered u the program when the problem is on the public side of the property. If you qualify, the program can save on average $10-$20,000 in repairs and alleviate financial burden for sewer repairs in the public way for homeowners. 

The Department of Water Management oversees the program. Call 311 or file a 'Water in Basement' request online.

The Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) Pilot Program supports homeowners in acquiring additional income or to more easily age in place by adding one additional unit to their property.

Housing Counseling Centers (HCC) are HUD-Certified Housing Counseling Agencies who help individuals work towards achieving homeownership in the short-term or long-term.

The Utility Billing Relief Program (UBR) is a City of Chicago program that offers support to low-income residents with their water and sewer bills. Contact CEDA at 800-571-2332 to apply.

• Rebates for ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances, heating and cooling systems, and smart thermostats 

• Discounts on ENERGY STAR® qualified home products and heating and cooling systems

• Energy saving tips and additional programs

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program designed to assist low-income households to reduce cost associated with home energy services. Interested residents living in the City of Chicago can contact CEDA at 800-571-2332 for more information or to start the process.

The Peoples Gas Share the Warmth Program provides heating grants (of up to $200) towards the past due balance of your Peoples Gas bill. Contact CEDA at 800-571-2332 to apply.

• Utility bill assistance 

• Home weatherization 

• Furnace repair & replacement 

• Housing services

The Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation Program (MFMP) provides free legal assistance to homeowners facing foreclosure. 

Services include access to a helpline, housing counseling, legal advice, mediation, and referrals to other assistance programs. The MFMP is open to all homeowners of 1-4 unit residential properties in Cook County whose primary residence is in foreclosure.

Elevate is able to address lead-based paint hazards in Chicago homes and home-based daycares. 

What the funding covers: 

• A free Lead Risk Assessment of your home 

• Paint stabilization on walls and door 

• Window replacement (for painted wood windows)

The Illinois Energy Efficiency Loan Program allows utility customers to pay for energy improvement investments through a monthly loan charge on their utility bill. This program is designed to encourage installation of energy efficiency measures to decrease energy consumption, enhance building comfort, and reduce utility bills.

Homeowners, renters, and small business owners can get support from FEMA dealing with the aftermath of natural disasters (for example: floods, tornados).

Here to Stay retains low- to moderate-income legacy households across Hermosa and parts of Avondale, Humboldt Park and Logan Square through affordable homeownership and communal ownership of land.

The homeowner pays a $25 service fee and reimburses H.O.M.E. for job-specific materials. The cost of labor is free.

Senior homeowners are eligible if they: 

• Are 62 years of age or older (55 or older if disabled) 

• Live south of North Avenue within the City of Chicago 

• Have no more than $1,200/month in income (income/mortgage ratio is taken into account) 

Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA) is a state program that makes solar installations more affordable for income-eligible residents, allowing more people to enjoy savings on their energy bills.

Illinois Shines makes going solar more affordable for more people across Illinois. With valuable incentives, step-by-step guidance, important consumer protection oversight, and an emphasis on equity, Illinois Shines helps everyone in Illinois be a part of the clean energy future, whether you install your own solar panels or not.

If you make qualified energy-efficient improvements to your home after Jan. 1, 2023, you may qualify for a tax credit up to $3,200.

Legal Aid Chicago provides free legal assistance in civil cases to residents of Chicago and Suburban Cook County who lack the resources to hire an attorney. To get help, call 312-341-1070, apply online, or find a walk-in clinic. 

Legal aid in the following areas: 

• Family & Safety 

• House & Apartment 

• Money & Debt 

• Work & Employment Rights 

• Health, Disability, and Basic Needs 

• Immigration

Neighborhood Lending Services, Inc. (NLS), the largest non-profit licensed mortgage lender in the state of Illinois is offering a home improvement loan. 

• Loan of up to $40,000 

• Construction specialist to guide you through the home improvement

• Rebates on qualifying HVAC, water heating, and thermostat systems 

• Rebates for air sealing, insulation, and duct sealing performed by program approved contractors 

• Energy saving tips and additional programs

Members of SWHEAP are eligible to apply for special no-to low-interest loans to repair or remodel their homes.

Low-to-moderate income households may be eligible for resources and services: 

• Homeowner Education 

• Financial Coaching 

• Foreclosure Education 

• Rental & Mortgage Assistance 

• Utility Assistance 

• Homebuyer Education 

• Healthcare Support

The Resurrection Project (TRP) is offering home improvement loans of up to $30,000 for home repairs, home improvement, and energy efficiency related upgrades.

The Chicago Low-Income Housing Trust (CLIHTF) provides annual subsidies to rental property owners to reduce rents for residents of Chicago who make less than 30% of the area median income.

The Small Accessible Repairs for Seniors (SARFS) program provides enabling devices to one to four-unit residences occupied by low-and moderate income seniors who are at least 60 years of age.

Voluntary program in which property owners share the cost of sidewalk repair with the City. Thousands of Chicagoans have been a part of this popular program, taking advantage of the low cost, exceptional value, and ease of participation. Applications taken on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Furnace Assistance is a federally funded program that offers furnace assistance through repairs or replacement if your heating system is not functioning properly. Interested residents living in the City of Chicago can contact CEDA at 800-571-2332 for more information or to start the process.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Reconnection Assistance (RA) is a federally funded program that offers one-time assistance to reconnect services OR prevent imminent disconnection. Interested residents living in the City of Chicago can contact CEDA at 800-571-2332 for more information or to start the process.

The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is a federally funded program designed to assist low-income households with paying their past due water and wastewater (sewer) bills. Interested residents living in the City of Chicago can contact CEDA at 800-571-2332 for more information or to start the process.

Exemptions provide savings by reducing the equalized assessed value of an eligible property. The Cook County Assessor's Office is now accepting applications. Call (312) 443-7550 for more information. 

• Homeowner Exemption 

• Senior Exemption 

• Senior Freeze Exemption 

• Persons with Disabilities Exemption 

• Veterans with Disabilities Exemption

Affordable, fixed-rate home improvement loans for large or small needs through an Illinois state-licensed, nonprofit mortgage lender. Contact Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago (NHS) to speak with a Loan Originator.

The Critical Home Improvement Program (CHIP) provides eligible homeowners with up to $15,000 in health and safety home repairs in Auburn Gresham, Avalon Park, Chatham, Englewood, and Greater Grand Crossing. Eligible home repairs include – but are not limited to – roofs, windows, entryways, porches, masonry; and interior health and safety improvements, including repairs to heating, electrical and plumbing systems.

The MMRP Purchase Assistance Grant provides up to $15,000 in down payment assistance for the purchase of a home in one of the City of Chicago’s 11 Micro Market Recovery Program (MMRP) Areas.