McHenry County Emergency Rent & Utility Assistance Program

McHenry County is pleased to announce the new Emergency Utility & Rent Program for Tenants and Landlords effected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The McHenry County Housing Authority will be administering the program for McHenry County. Are you a tenant who has fallen behind on rent and or utilities due to Covid-19? Are you a landlord who has a tenant who is behind due to Covid-19? The new MC-EURAP Program can assist with up to 12 months of past due rent or utilities, and up to 3 months assistance for future rent payments if you qualify.

Please visit www.mchenryrent.com to see if you qualify and to apply for assistance.

If you have questions please call 815-338-7752 or email brosenquist@mchenrycountyhousing.org 

To view the program flyer click HERE for English or HERE for Spanish.

The current Eviction Moratorium for the State of Illinois has been extended through April 3, 2021.

The Federal Eviction Moratorium issued by the C.D.C. has been extended through June 30, 2021. 

Township & Salvation Army Assistance

An appointment will be required to bring in your paperwork. Please call 847-669-3328

To apply for General Assistance you must provide proof of a residency for  Grafton Township. You must apply for assistance in the Township that you currently live in. 

Eligibility for General Assistance is based on your total combined household income for the last 30 days, along with your assets. If you are unemployed you must register with IDES, Illinois Department of Employment Security Job Link program, and be actively seeking employment. General Assistance grants are reviewed monthly, and any grants that are issued are paid directly to the vendor, i.e. landlord, utility company, etc. Cash will not be given to a G.A. recipient.

Basic Eligibility:

• Complete and return G.A./E.A. Application.
• Complete and return Medical Resource Inquiry
• Be a resident of the Township that you are applying to.
• Actively seeking employment, if unemployed.
• Registered with I.D.E.S.
• Provide all information requested by the township.
• Follow up on any referrals given to you by the township.
• You must keep all appointments with the township.

General Assistance is intended to help residents maintain their household. Assistance may be disbursed for specific basic maintenance needs such as shelter, utilities, food, clothing, household supplies, personal essentials, and laundry. General Assistance is re-determined on a monthly basis. To apply for General Assistance print out the G.A./E.A. application and the Medical Resource Inquiry form, complete both forms, and then call our office to schedule an interview. If you are unable to print out these forms you can either pick them up at our office, or we can mail them to you. 

If you have any questions, please call the office at (847) 669-3328. 

Application & Additional Information

• List of Required Documents
• General Assistance/Emergency Assistance Application - Fillable online or print it out
• Medical Resource Inquiry Form 

To apply for the SNAP Food Program, Medical, & TANF - To apply click HERE , call, or visit the local office.

Illinois Department of Human Services
512 Clay Street
Woodstock, Illinois 60098
815-338-0234

• List of Additional Resources for Assistance
• McHenry County Housing Authority Resource Guide

An appointment will be required to bring in your paperwork. Please call 847-669-3328

If you or anyone in your family unit, is currently receiving (TANF) Temporary Aid for Needy Families, or (SSI) Supplemental Security Income you will not be eligible to receive General or Emergency Assistance. Please look at the list of additional resources to seek additional assistance.

Once an applicant has been deemed ineligible for General Assistance, the application then falls under Emergency Assistance. A General Assistance  application covers both G.A. & E.A., and only 1 application needs to be filled out and submitted. Emergency Assistance is granted to help alleviate a life threatening situation such as eviction, a 5 day notice of eviction, or a shut off notice from a utility company. 

If the amount owed exceeds the amount of the grant, the client will need to either pay the remaining amount owed, or seek additional assistance from other charitable organizations. Payment can only be made once we know that it will alleviate the Emergency situation. Payment is made directly to the vendor, and at no time will a client receive cash.

You can only receive E.A. once in a 12 month period. If you have received an E.A. grant, you will not be eligible to receive another grant from Grafton Township, or any other Illinois Township, within the 12 month period.

Appointment required to bring in your paperwork. Please call 847-669-3328

If you or anyone in your family unit, is currently receiving (TANF) Temporary Aid for Needy Families, or (SSI) Supplemental Security Income you will not be eligible to receive General or Emergency Assistance. Please look at the list of additional resources to seek additional assistance.

• Salvation Army Application

Grafton Township is the Salvation Army branch office that serves all residents residing in Huntley. Grafton Township residents that do not live in Huntley must go to the Crystal Lake Salvation Army. The Salvation Army can assist with rent, utilities, McRide transportation passes, furniture and clothing, prescriptions, and emergency shelter for those who qualify. Grafton Township residents who do not live in Huntley will need to visit the Crystal Lake branch. 

Appointment will be required to bring in your paperwork. Please call 847-669-3328

• Rent Assistance

A copy of current lease or rental agreement

A five day notice or letter from landlord stating the following-

  You are behind in your rent payments

How much you owe

To whom the check should be written

Where the check should be sent

Proof of Entire Household Income for the past 30 days

A picture ID

• Utility Assistance

A copy of shut off notice from either Com Ed or Nicor; if Nicor Sharing Program, just the current bill that is past due.

Proof of Entire Household Income for the past 30 days.

A picture ID

• Prescription Assistance

Prescription order including the name of the medication, dosage, and the quantity of medication ordered.

Proof of Entire Household Income for the past 30 days.

A picture ID

• For other offered Salvation Army assistance programs,  please check with the township for information and requirements.

2-1-1 is the United Way, and an extensive resource database for anyone needing assistance. 2-1-1 provides a free and easy way for everyone to access help with almost any challenge. When you dial 2-1-1, you will be connected with a call center that will direct you to the appropriate social service agency or nonprofit organization. Trained specialists will quickly assess your needs and offer knowledgeable information and referral. Totally confidential. Please call 2-1-1 or go to www.findhelp211.org for more assistance in formation.