The Edrika Fulford Mutual Aid Fund provides one-time emergency grants of $500 to Illinois individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness. This includes individuals or families who are living in shelters, living outside, or temporarily staying with family and friends. The application is short, low-barrier, and simple to access.
Cash grants for Illinoisans impacted by homelessness
The application will open Wednesday, March 4 at 10 am and will close once the 400 application cap has been reached.
One-time emergency grants of $500 will be given to 100 individuals or families experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless. This includes individuals or families who are living in shelters, living outside, or temporarily staying with family and friends. The application is short, low-barrier, and simple to access.
Eligibility:
- Must be 18 years or older OR an unaccompanied youth 16 years or older
- Illinois resident
- 1) Currently experiencing homelessness or 2) currently at risk of becoming homeless due to an eviction, domestic violence situation, or other loss of housing situation
Undocumented individuals and permanent residents are welcome to apply.
400 applications will be accepted beginning Wednesday, March 4. Applications can be completed online or over the phone. One application should be submitted per household—multiple applications from the same household will be disqualified. All applications submitted will be subject to a lottery and a review process. Please note that submission of an application is NOT a guarantee of funding.
Phone applications can be submitted 10am-2pm on business days until the application cap is reached. Please note that the application cap is often reached within 20 minutes of the application opening. Internet applications can be submitted at any time while the fund is open.
Phone: 312-641-4148
If you are in need of help, use the resource guide below for information and services in Chicago and Illinois.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this fund exist?
Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness is an independent, grassroots organization fighting to increase resources and affordable housing across Chicago and Illinois. We use our stories to advocate across City Hall and Springfield for permanent solutions to homelessness. During the pandemic, we recognized the need for short-term assistance for families impacted by homelessness and COVID-19. Due to our generous donors and grassroots leaders, we can offer these one-time grants.
Who can apply to this fund?
Individuals or heads of households who are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity in Illinois. This includes people who are unsheltered, staying at a shelter, or living doubled-up with family or friends. Adults 18 years or older and unaccompanied youth 16 years or older are welcome to apply.
What do I need to apply?
The completed application (no other materials are necessary).
How can I apply?
Individuals can complete the short application online or over the phone.
How much money will I receive?
If your application is accepted, you will receive a one-time grant of $500. Note that submission of your application is not a guarantee of funds.
When will I know if my application has been accepted or denied?
Applicants will be notified within 30 days.
Can I apply more than once?
Applicants should only apply once per application cycle. Please note that if you received a CCH mutual aid grant within the past year, you are not eligible to receive funds again. If you have applied for the mutual aid grant in the past, but were not selected to receive funds, you are welcome to apply again.
What if my application is denied?
If your application has been denied, you are welcome to re-apply in the future.
How will I receive the funds?
Funds will be awarded in the form of paper checks. Please note that checks cannot be reissued under any circumstances. Under special circumstances, applicants may receive the funds in the form of a gift card. At this time, we cannot process funds electronically (PayPal, CashApp, Zelle, etc.)
How long will it take to receive my funds if my application is approved?
Once you have been notified of approval, you can expect the funds to be distributed within 60 days.
Please have patience as we work to distribute funds to over 100 families across Illinois in addition to our ongoing organizational work to fight homelessness.
Who will be reviewing my application?
A committee of grassroots leaders with lived experiences of homelessness from the Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness.
Is my information confidential?
Yes. The information you provide on the application will not be shared outside of the review committee or the organization.
How do you determine which applications are approved?
All applications will be randomized via lottery. The committee will then review applications to ensure that each application meets the eligibility requirements.
We are committed to having a simple, low-barrier program that’s easy to access by individuals in need.
If you have additional questions, email mutualaid@chicagohomeless.org
