Community Resources & Hardship Assistance
Help is available. The Village of Westchester is committed to connecting residents with programs and support during difficult times.
🏠 Westchester & Local Resources
These organizations serve Westchester residents directly and should be your first point of contact.
Westchester Food Pantry
Provides groceries and food assistance to Westchester residents and surrounding communities. No appointment needed during open hours.
Grace Central Outreach
Local church providing emergency financial assistance, food pantry services, and community support programs for Westchester residents in need.
Proviso Township
Your local township government provides emergency assistance, general assistance programs, and referrals to county and state services for residents of Westchester.
PLCCA - Proviso Leyden Council
Community action agency serving suburban Cook County with comprehensive assistance including LIHEAP energy assistance, weatherization, emergency funds, and case management.
💡 Utility & Energy Assistance
Programs to help with electric, gas, and heating bills. Many programs have specific enrollment periods, so apply early.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) typically opens September 1st each year. Apply early as funds are limited. You do NOT need a disconnect notice to apply.
LIHEAP - Energy Assistance
Federal program providing direct financial assistance for heating and cooling costs. Assists low-income households regardless of energy source (electric, gas, propane, etc.).
- 1 person: $21,870/year
- 2 people: $29,580/year
- 4 people: $45,000/year
- Add $7,710 for each additional person
ComEd Assistance Programs
ComEd offers multiple programs including bill payment assistance, budget billing, and energy efficiency programs. Qualifying customers may receive significant discounts.
Nicor Gas Assistance
Nicor Gas provides energy assistance programs and payment plans for customers struggling with gas bills. Programs available year-round.
Weatherization Assistance
Free home improvements to reduce energy costs permanently. Services include insulation, air sealing, furnace repair/replacement, and energy-efficient appliances.
Illinois Solar for All
Income-eligible households can access solar energy with no upfront costs, reducing electric bills while supporting clean energy.
GROW - Green Residents of Westchester
The Village's Ecological Commission provides resources for energy efficiency, water conservation, and environmental tips that help reduce utility costs.
Visit GROW Page →🏘️ Housing & Rent Assistance
Resources for rent assistance, mortgage help, and homelessness prevention.
Contact BEDS Plus immediately at (877) 426-6515 or call 2-1-1. You have legal rights and there may be emergency funds available.
BEDS Plus - Homelessness Prevention
Helps households in crisis with rental assistance, coverage of rent arrears, security deposits, and financial coaching to maintain stable housing.
Alliance to End Homelessness
Suburban Cook County resource providing financial assistance for mortgage, rent, utilities, and other housing expenses to prevent homelessness.
The Salvation Army
Comprehensive housing assistance including emergency shelter, transitional housing, rent and utility assistance, and case management services.
St. Vincent de Paul Society
Catholic charity offering assistance with rent, utilities, clothing, and furniture for families in need.
St. Vincent de Paul →Oakbrook Terrace Corps Community Center
Provides emergency financial assistance, domestic violence services, and food assistance for residents of the western suburbs.
TANF - Cash Assistance
Illinois Department of Human Services program providing cash aid to eligible families for housing, food, utilities, and other essential expenses.
Alexian Brothers Housing Alliance
Helps low-income individuals with chronic illnesses avoid homelessness through rental subsidies, utility allowances, food vouchers, and case management.
🍎 Food Pantries & Nutrition
No one should go hungry. These resources provide free groceries and meals to those in need.
Westchester Food Pantry
Local food pantry serving Westchester and surrounding communities with groceries and food assistance.
Grace Central Church Food Pantry
Church-based food pantry providing groceries to Westchester families in need.
Quinn Center Soup Kitchen
Community soup kitchen providing hot meals to those in need.
Share Food Share Love
Brookfield-area food pantry serving residents of the western suburbs.
SNAP Benefits (Food Stamps)
Federal nutrition assistance program providing monthly benefits to purchase food. Apply online or get help from Beyond Hunger.
Catholic Charities Food Pantries
Network of food pantries throughout Chicagoland providing groceries to families in need.
Find a Pantry →🎖️ Veteran Assistance Programs
Dedicated resources for veterans, active duty service members, and military families.
Salute, Inc
Financial assistance for veterans including rent/mortgage, auto expenses, utilities, and other living expenses.
Heartland Alliance SSVF
Supportive Services for Veteran Families helps low-income veteran families with housing stability and case management.
Operation First Response
Financial assistance for wounded, injured, critically ill service members and disabled veterans, including those with PTSD.
Operation First Response →Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
Financial assistance and counseling for active duty or retired Sailors and Marines, and their families.
NMCRS →Helping Hands For Freedom
Emergency financial assistance for veterans, military members, and Gold Star families.
Helping Hands →📋 Additional Resources
More programs and services that may help.
2-1-1 Illinois
Free, confidential helpline connecting you to local resources for food, housing, utilities, healthcare, and more. Available 24/7.
TRCDO - Utility Assistance
Financial assistance with utilities and energy expenses, including emergency furnace repair services.
TRCDO →Connections for the Homeless
Financial assistance for back payments on rent, mortgage, and utility bills with case management services.
Public Outreach Agency
Assists individuals and families with energy needs and helps with applications for energy assistance programs.
📝 Tips for Getting Help
Most programs require ID, proof of income, utility bills, and proof of address. Having these ready speeds up the process.
Many programs have limited funds. Apply as soon as you realize you need help — don't wait until you're in crisis.
You can often receive help from several sources. Applying to multiple programs increases your chances of getting assistance.
When you contact one agency, ask if they know of other programs. Case workers often have information about additional help.
