Niles Township Government

General Assistance

A program that offers financial assistance to eligible Niles Township residents who currently have no income due to lack of employment or are awaiting a decision on their Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim. Eligible individuals can receive up to $700 a month toward rent or utilities paid directly to the vendor on behalf of the client. You must be 18 years or older and be actively seeking employment or social security benefits to qualify.

Electronically fill out the General Assistance Application Form.

Emergency Assistance

A financial assistance program to alleviate a life-threatening circumstance to eligible Niles Township residents. In order to qualify, you must have a 5 day eviction notice from a landlord or a disconnection notice from a utility company. This program is available once in a 12-month period per household. Assistance is paid directly to the vendor.

• Ruth Orme-Johnson LCSW
• General Assistance Director
• Office: 847-673-9300
• Cell: 847-261-4054
• Niles Township website

Village of Skokie

Assist-A-Family Holiday Program

Funded by local residents/businesses, this provides gift certificates to eligible families to enjoy meals, purchase essentials, and select personalized gifts. 

Benefit Access Program

This allows qualified low-income households for a License Plate Discount, Seniors Ride Free Transit Benefit and Persons with Disabilities Ride Free Transit Benefit. Application assistance is available by appointment. 

Community Health Food Bags

As an extension of the Advocate Health Care Food Pantry, Human Services offers bags of shelf-stable food and hygiene kits to food-insecure households. Supply is limited.

Emergency Financial Assistance

For low-income Skokie residents who have experienced hardship resulting in past due rent or utility bills. Through case management and referrals, recipients are supported in gaining financial sustainability.

Salvation Army Service Extension

This provides for emergency needs to residents who have experienced an unexpected hardship. Support provided includes clothing, furniture, rent and utility assistance. Programs available to help with past due Nicor bills.

Information and Referrals

Guidance with navigating resources such as employment, financial benefits, utility assistance, housing, legal assistance, senior support, and more.

The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights has many resources to connect families to a wide range of support!

ICIRR FAMILY SUPPORT NETWORK

Click on these links to learn more.

Middle Eastern Immigration Refugee Alliance

MIRA helps Middle Eastern refugees and immigrants access the services they need, including public benefits, healthcare, and referrals to partner organizations or other agencies.  

Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights

ICIRR is dedicated to promoting the rights of immigrants and refugees to full and equal participation in the civic, cultural, social, and political life of our diverse society.  

Indo-American Center

Their mission is to "promote the well being of South Asian immigrants through services that facilitate their adjustment, integration and friendship with the wider society, nurture their sense of community, and foster appreciation for their heritage and culture"

Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society

HIAS Immigration & Citizenship offers volunteer-led citizenship classes and mock interviews as well as application support 

Refugee One

Every year, RefugeeOne serves more than 2,500 refugees and immigrants of all ages, ethnic groups, faiths, and backgrounds. The primary focus is to assist these resilient individuals in becoming an independent, self-supporting member of their new community.   

Upwardly Global

Upwardly Global provides job search training and resources to help work-authorized immigrants, refugees, and asylees rebuild their professional careers in the U.S.

Niles Township Food Pantry
8341 Lockwood Avenue
Skokie, IL 60077

Phone: 847-983-0073

Hours

Monday through Friday Hours: 
9:30 am to 11:30 am
1:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Closed between 11:30 am and 1 pm

Tuesday Extended Hours
4:30 pm to 6:30 pm

Humans At Help Food Pantry

Because No One Should Go to Bed Hungry

At Humans at Help Foundation (HAHF), we believe that food is more than survival — it’s comfort, community, and dignity. In a time when too many families face impossible choices between groceries, rent, and medicine, our Food Pantry in Skokie, IL is a lifeline for neighbors in need.

We understand that asking for help isn’t easy. That’s why our pantry is designed to be welcoming, respectful, and free of judgment. Whether you’re a parent trying to feed your kids, a senior on a fixed income, or someone just going through a tough time — you’re not alone, and you are always welcome here.

 Location & Timings:

• Open Days: Thursdays and Saturdays
• Hours: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Address: 4652 Oakton St., Skokie, IL 60076
  No appointment required. Just come in during open hours and receive the support you need. First come first served.
• Email: marisol@humansathelp.org | info@humansathelp.org

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act ensures the educational rights and protections of homeless children and youth so that they may enroll in school, attend regularly, and be successful. The legislation requires a local homeless education liaison in every school district to assist children and unaccompanied youth in their efforts to attend school. 

Many different living situations can qualify a student for aid under this act:

• In a house or apartment with more than one family due to loss of housing or economic hardship.

• With friends, family, or others because they are a runaway or an unaccompanied youth.

• In substandard housing (without electricity, water, heat, etc.).

• In a shelter (family, domestic violence, youth, transitional living program, etc.).

• In a motel, hotel, weekly rate housing.

• In an abandoned building, in a car, at a campground, or on the streets.

Illinois State Board of Education Fact Sheet

Other resources:
Connections for the Homeless

Suburban Cook County Homeless Prevention Call Center

Respite Center – Niles Township Government