The Western Illinois Regional Council Community Action Agency is a non-profit organization that provides support to residents in Hancock, Henderson, McDonough, and Warren Counties. Most of the financial aid that the organization offers, such as Emergency Solutions Grants for rent, come from government funding. Although they may not be able to provide monetary assistance, they can help families in other ways, such as connecting them with a local food pantry.
The organization offers a lot of different services to help prevent hunger and homelessness. The WIRC-CAA Food Pantry is a place where people can go to get food that has been donated by other members of the community. The food that is available at the pantry comes from the federal government. The local group Hunters Helping the Hungry provides the non-profit’s pantry with meats and dairy goods that is processed at area lockers. The Pantry is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9 am to 3 pm.
The WIRC-CAA Non-Food Pantry provides hygiene items to individuals and families in need. These items include diapers, cleaning supplies, clothing, school supplies and other essential items to help households in crisis. The hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 am to 12:30 pm.
The Western Illinois Regional Council Community Action Agency Homeless Assistance program helps people who are in danger of being kicked out of their homes or having their homes foreclosed on. This program helps people by giving them a place to live and also helping them pay for their home. They may also help with heating or utility bills for those who are homeless or at risk.
The ESG – Emergency Solutions Grant can help with things like rent and utility payments. The federal government provides homelessness prevention services for households who would otherwise be evicted without help. ESG can provide homeless clients with money for security deposits or first months rent, as well as rapid rehousing.
Continuum of care means a wide range of services and support that are available to people with a chronic illness or disability. This can include transitional housing, case management, and supportive services. This is for people who are homeless and either live alone or with a family. The services offered by the Western Illinois Regional Council help homeless people to stabilize their lives and start working on the issues that led to their homelessness.
The WIRC-CAA Homebuyer/Rehabilitation Assistance Program helps low-income residents buy affordable homes. This means that local banks in Illinois or other lenders can provide up to 80% of the financing for this program. In order to be eligible, the potential homebuyer must make enough money to meet the income guidelines. Homeowners need to follow certain procedures and keep up their residence in order to stay in their home.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in Illinois provides financial assistance to low-income households who are struggling to pay their winter energy bills. LIHEAP will make a one-time payment to the utility on behalf of the qualifying household. This service is offered in every county, including Warren and Henderson.
The amount of money given for heating bills varies depending on many factors. This means that the amount of money a family needs to live depends on the size of the family, the type of fuel they use, how much money they make, and where they live in Illinois. To be eligible for assistance, you must meet the household income guidelines for LIHEAP. Some other benefits of the Illinois LIHEAP energy assistance program include help with weatherproofing your home, energy crisis assistance, and referrals to other programs that can help with energy costs.
The Western Illinois Regional Council Community Action Agency Home Weatherization Program provides free energy-efficient improvements to the homes of low-income residents. These improvements can help save money on utility bills. The purpose of this is to make homes more comfortable to live in. The home will be more safe and healthy if other benefits are taken into account.
This WIRC-CAA service improves a building’s energy efficiency by reducing air infiltration and heat waste. This program provides services to improve the energy efficiency of your home, which can include installing weatherstripping, repairing or replacing your heating system, caulking, insulating your attic and walls, and repairing or replacing your windows and doors.
The Home Modification Program’s goal is to allow seniors aged 62 and older, as well as those with disabilities, to live independently in their own homes. The Western Illinois Regional Council Community Action Agency helps people with minor home modifications that make their homes more accessible and safe.
The Single Family Owner Occupied Rehabilitation Program from the Illinois Housing Development Authority is another option from the Western Illinois Regional Council Community Action Agency. This non-profit organization collaborates with local contractors to help eligible homeowners with necessary repairs and improvements. The goal is to remove any potential safety risks and health hazards, fix any building code violations, and maintain the long-term stability of the dwellings.
The WIRC-CAA provides scholarships for students who want to continue their education at an Illinois community college, vocational school, university, or local college. This program is only for people who live in Henderson, McDonough, Hancock and Warren counties and who are looking for a job in a high-need field.
Scholarship money can be used to help pay for college expenses like tuition, fees, textbooks and supplies, or for room and board if you live on campus. This service covers a lot of bills. For more information, call 309-837-2997.
Head Start is a preschool program that helps children from low-income families in Hancock, Warren, and nearby towns. The program provides early childhood development services to children aged 3-5. This is also for children with different abilities. Head Start activities are designed to be family-oriented, and parents are encouraged to get involved and participate.
The WIRC-CAA Head Start program provides free educational services to pregnant women, children from birth to age five, and children with multiple special needs or a disability. The program provides benefits to hundreds of infants, toddlers, preschool children, and pregnant women in the multiple county service area. The US Department of Health and Human Services provides funding for Head Start and the other option, Head Start 0-5.
WIRC-CAA and Project Santa Service help make Christmas possible for those in need. The agency understands that low-income families and the underemployed have a hard time financially during the holiday season.
To help families in need provide a joyful Christmas for their children, Project Santa networks with churches, schools, social service agencies, and health departments to identify eligible families and offer them access to resources. Project Santa continues to grow and expand its sponsorship program and community activities.
There are several counties in western Illinois that are supported by the Community Action Agency. 6th Street, near the foot of the Ben Franklin Bridge in Philadelphia. Our main office is located at 223 S. 6th Street in Philadelphia, near the Ben Franklin Bridge. The telephone number for Randolph in Macomb, IL is 309-837-2997.