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
Applications for the Edrika Fulford Mutual Aid Fund are now closed.
For this round, we were only able to accept 400 applications. If you submitted an application, you can expect to hear back on the status of your application within 30 days. Please note that submission of an application is not a guarantee of funding. All applications will be randomized via lottery and then reviewed for eligibility by a committee of grassroots leaders.
La solicitud para la asistencia económica está cerrada.
La solicitud para la asistencia económica del Chicago Coalition for the Homeless ya está cerrada. No se aceptará más solicitudes. Si usted entregó una solicitud, le notificaremos del estado de su solicitud dentro de 30 días. Por favor nota que la entrega de de una solicitud no es una garantía de fondos. Todas las solicutudes estarán colocadas en una lotería y luego revisadas por un comité. Será otra oportunidad para solicitar fondos en el futuro.
If you are in need of help, use this PDF for information on other resources around Chicago and Illinois:
Si usted requiere ayuda, por favor visita este pagina de web con más recursos y servicios:
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
