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Housing Advocacy
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DCFS Housing Advocacy
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Community Housing Advocacy
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Case Management
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Resource Referral
*Clients must be referred by DCFS to participate in this program*
What is Housing Advocacy?
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.
Services
Extended Family Support Program
The Extended Family Support Program (EFSP), created by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) provides short-term assistance to relative caregivers who are not involved in the formal child welfare system. The program helps families access child-only grants, secure essential goods and services, and connect with needed community resources. An EFSP caseworker assists the family until guardship is obtained, offering crisis intervention, family mediation, and referrals to legal, medical, and housing services. Support may also include recommendations for cash or in-kind assistance to help maintain a stable home.
*Clients must be referred by DCFS to participate in this program*
For questions or concerns, please contact our team!
Housing Advocacy Manager
Edith Benancio
815-727-3683 ext. 5018
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