📢 730 BOOM COMMUNITY ALERT: NEED HELP? START HERE
If these bills are billing and your money ain’t moneying, listen up. There are programs around Cook and Lake counties helping people with food, utilities, housing expenses and other basic needs.
In Cook County, CEDA has several assistance programs. Their Family Support and Community Engagement program currently offers qualifying suburban Cook County families help with things including transportation, nutrition, employment-related needs and youth enrichment. Call 312-795-8948 for that program.
Now here's an important heads-up about utility assistance. CEDA's regular LIHEAP application period is currently closed and is scheduled to reopen October 1, 2026. However, CEDA says some other assistance remains available, including Share the Warmth, which can provide up to $200 toward a past-due Peoples Gas bill, plus PIPP recertifications and certain Chicago utility-relief programs. Call 800-571-2332.
South suburban listeners should also know about Together We Cope in Tinley Park. They provide groceries and personal-care items, and their crisis-support services can include help with past-due rent or mortgage payments, utilities and prescription costs, depending on eligibility and available resources. Call 708-633-5040.
And Thornton Township Food And General Assistance Center in Harvey is another option for residents needing emergency food assistance. Call 708-596-6040.
For Lake County, Community Action Partnership of Lake County is a major stop. They accept applications for assistance with rent, mortgages, shelter, energy costs and food. Their Community Services Block Grant programs can also include water/sewer assistance, employment help and financial-management services. Call 847-249-4330.
For groceries, Community Action Partnership of Lake County Food Pantry in Waukegan provides food assistance for Lake County residents. Catholic Charities - Cardinal Bernardin Center in Waukegan and Catholic Charities, Lake County Services in Round Lake are additional places residents can check for food and other support services.
And this one is worth putting in BIG LETTERS for listeners in either county:
CALL 211.
Cook County's 211 service operates 24 hours a day and connects people with food, housing, shelter, utility assistance, employment/income resources, mental-health services and more. Lake County also directs residents to 211 for food, shelter, rent, utilities and other essential services. You can call 211 or text your ZIP code to 898211.
For Cook County residents who need food immediately, the county also recommends calling the Greater Chicago Food Depository at 773-247-3663 to locate a nearby pantry or food distribution site.
Lady Red closer:“Listen, if you need the help, GO GET THE HELP. These programs exist for a reason. And don't wait until the lights are blinking, the refrigerator is talking back and the landlord knows your whole government name. 😂 Call first because funding and eligibility can change. I'm Lady Red, and this is 730 BOOM Radio, where news you can actually USE hits different. Every time. BOOM! 💥”
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