The Housing Advocacy Program (HAP), created by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), helps families secure safe and affordable housing to prevent the placement of children in care or support their return home. 

 

HAP provides a dedicated caseworker who assists with referrals to emergency or domestic violence shelters, apartment searches, transportation to view units or meet landlords, and preparation for housing interviews. Caseworkers also help families apply for income assistance, access community resources for basic needs, obtain subsidized housing such as Section 8, and offer follow-up services to prevent future housing instability.