Wheeling Township General Assistance
…We are here to help!
OUR HISTORY
Wheeling Township was incorporated on April 2, 1850. One very important program established at that time was “Support the Poor”. That first program is now known as General Assistance. This locally administered welfare program has helped many residents throughout the years. We are proud of our history of service and look forward to a future of assisting those in need.
PROGRAMS OFFERED:
- General Assistance
- Emergency Assistance
- Food Pantry
- Salvation Army Representative
- Holiday Programs
- Information and Referral
GENERAL ASSISTANCE
General Assistance (GA) is a public assistance program mandated by state law for qualified individuals with financial needs. GA can provide monthly payments to help a individuals meet basic needs. Interested individuals can apply at the Township's General Assistance Department. An applicant must be a resident of Wheeling Township, age 18 or older, and a United States Citizen or qualified immigrant. In addition, an applicant must meet all financial and non-financial eligibility requirements.
EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE
Emergency Assistance (EA) is available to qualified individuals and families facing emergencies that are work related or life threatening (i.e. eviction, utility disconnection, and transportation). Those interested can apply at the Township's General Assistance Office. Applicants must be residents of Wheeling Township, United States Citizens or qualified immigrants and meet financial and non-financial eligibility requirements. Families and individuals receiving TANF or SSI are ineligible for Emergency Assistance.
ACCESS TO CARE
Access to Care is a primary health program serving low-income uninsured individuals in Cook County. Applicants must meet financial and residency eligibility requirements. The coverage includes doctors’ office visits, prescriptions, radiology, and laboratory services. For more information and for an appointment please call the General Assistance office.
FOOD PANTRY
The Wheeling Township Food Pantry's purpose is to help reduce hunger among residents who are in need by providing food and essential non-food items on emergency or short-term basis in a compassionate and dignified manner. The Food Pantry is open throughout the year and stocked by donations received from the community.
Most Needed Items:
- Meat Products such as Chicken, Hash, Ham- Canned
- Syrup
- Pancake Mix
- Dry Beans (1 lb bag)
- Bottled Juice (small sizes)
- Lemonade Mix and other flavors
- Cake Mix
- Tea
- Coffee – Small
- Dry Milk
- Evaporated Milk
- Vegetable Oil and Olive Oil
- Dry Rice (1 lb bag)
- Mayonnaise, Ketchup, and Mustard
- Beef Stew – Canned
- Canned Fruit – All Varieties
- Canned Pasta
- Cookies
- Sugar (small size)
- Gravy Canned / Packaged
- Jell-O and Pudding
- Spaghetti Sauce
- Snacks
- Salad Dressing
- Dry Peas (1 lb bag)
Items for the Homeless
- Easy to open canned food
- Can Openers
Toiletries
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrushes
Paper and Cleaning Products
- Paper Products: Towels,
- Kleenex, Napkins,
- Toilet Paper (4 or 2 roll packages)
- Diapers – Sizes: 4,5 and 6
- Detergent
THANK YOU!
INFORMATION AND REFERRAL
Upon request, our staff is available to provide referral and information assistance to local programs and social services agencies. We provide applications and assistance to apply for most Illinois Department of Human Services programs.
MOBILE DENTAL CLINIC
The Dental Clinic's mission is to provide necessary dental care to residents who do not have access to dental care due to financial barriers. Township residents whose income is below 200% of the federal poverty level may qualify for treatment. There is a $30 charge for each visit for patients who are not on Medicaid or General Assistance. Clients must register at the township, by appointment only. No walk-ins allowed.
COMMUNITY ANGEL FUND
This financial program is supported by donations received from the community. The funds are used to help residents who do not qualify for other Township financial programs and who are facing a life threatening emergency.
SALVATION ARMY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Wheeling Township serves as an Extension Unit administering funds for the Salvation Army. Salvation Army emergency funds are earmarked and available once in any 12-month period for qualified residents of Buffalo Grove, Prospect Heights and Wheeling. Individuals or families facing a life threatening circumstance may be helped using Salvation Army welfare guidelines.
HOLIDAY PROGRAMS
Through donations provided by Wheeling Township residents, we provide food baskets at Thanksgiving and Christmas gifts to needy families during the Holiday Season. Financial eligibility is required.
Donors:
The Adopt-A-Family Program is a Wheeling Township tradition. It presents an opportunity for compassionate people in our community to share in the holiday spirit by adopting low-income families with a pledge to supply basic needs and perhaps fulfill some of their holiday dreams and wishes. Because of the generosity of sponsors and the help of our volunteers, over 1,500 recipients each year experience a joyful holiday season. To participate, please contact the General Assistance Department at 847-259-7730.
Participants:
Residents in need of food and gifts during the holiday season, and who would like to participate in our programs are asked to contact the General Assistance Department at 847-259-7730.
ALL SERVICES ARE PROVIDED BY APPOINTMENT ONLY