Federal budget cuts, and how we're responding
Dear Neighbor,
The full cost and long-term damage to our communities from the federal budget bill and its most devastating, harmful cuts will take years to fully realize. Illinois' state budget anticipated federal funding disruptions and included some tools and action for managing just that. While no state can fully replace the vital support being stripped away at the federal level, we’re committed to making decisions and fighting for legislation that is responsible and compassionate to support our communities.
In this week’s newsletter, I’m sharing resources to help Illinois families navigate the impact of these federal cuts, including support for food security, healthcare, utility bills, and housing.
Food Security
SUN Bucks, or the Summer EBT program, provides a one-time benefit of $120 per child, ages 5 to 18, to help families purchase groceries during the summer break when school is not in session. For families who are not automatically enrolled but believe they are eligible, an application is available through the IDHS Summer EBT Screener here: abe.illinois.gov/access/ and the deadline to apply is Wednesday, August 13.
The Summer Meals program provides free meals and snacks to children under 18. Many Chicago Public Schools are serving as open sites for these meals, and children do not need to attend a CPS school or be enrolled in a summer program to receive these meals. Families are encouraged to visit www.WeGotYouIllinois.org or call 800-359-2163 to find a nearby summer meal site.
From July to October, the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition program will provide low-income seniors with coupons to purchase fresh, healthy produce directly from authorized farmers at farmers' markets. Coupons will be available while supplies last. To find out more information on eligibility and to apply, visit this site or call 773-247-3663.
St. Nicolai United Church of Christ hosts frequent community dinners and food pantries at 3000 N Kedzie Ave. Community dinners are every Thursday of the month (this month they will be on August 7, 14, 21, and 28) from 12:00 to 1:30 pm. And August’s Community Food Pantry will be on Wednesday, August 20 from 12:30 to 1:30 pm, with doors opening as early as 11am.
On the west side of the district, Onward House also hosts a food pantry on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 6 pm. The pantry is located at 5433 West Diversey Ave. You can find more information and their boundaries of service here.
Healthcare
For primary and preventative care, Federally Qualified Health Centers and free and charitable clinics can serve uninsured and underinsured people regardless of their immigration status and ability to pay. More information and free clinic locations can be found below:
On Wednesday August 20, the Advocate Mobile Health Van will be providing free health screenings, like blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol screenings, from 10am to 2pm at St. Nicolai Church, 3000 N Kedzie.
Utility Bill Assistance
Applications are now open for ComEd’s Customer Relief Fund. The fund will provide one-time grants of up to $500 for qualifying low- to moderate-income residential customers, and $1,000 for nonprofit organizations, to help those struggling with rising energy costs in northern Illinois.
To apply, you can submit an online application at ComEd.com/Relief or visit partnering locations Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago or The Salvation Army.
UPDATE: The ComEd Relief Fund closed on July 29. The need is great for more rate relief for working families. Stay tuned on future funding resources.
CEDA can help with a variety of utility bill relief programs Click here or call 800-571-2332 for more information on when these programs are accepting applications.
Housing
The Illinois Housing Development Authority’s (IHDA) Court-Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP) has reopened for applications. This program provides emergency rental assistance to tenants currently in eviction court. CBRAP is designed to ensure vulnerable and underserved Illinois communities continue to have a vital safety net to help prevent homelessness. This round of CBRAP is funded through a $50 million appropriation in the FY26 Illinois budget that was signed into law by Governor Pritzker. Eligible tenants and landlords can start an application online at www.illinoishousinghelp.org. You can also find more information on housing support here as well.
Please stay in touch with our office by calling (773) 853-2570 or sending an email to will@repguzzardi.com. We are happy to help you navigate state agencies and connect you to organizations and services for support.
All my best,
Will
Office Closure Notice
Our office will be closed on Monday, August 11. We will reopen on Tuesday, August 12, for regular hours, from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Please contact us at (773) 853-2570 or at will@repguzzardi.com for assistance.
Back to School Fair
Join my office, State Senator Graciela Guzman, and Northwest Center on Saturday, August 9, from 10am to 1pm at Kelvyn Park, 4438 W Wrightwood for our Annual Back to School Fair!
We are offering:
Free Backpacks*
Free School Supplies*
Free Produce*
Free Haircuts
Health Vans
Fun Family Activities
*While supplies last! Please note that all giveaways are on a first come, first serve basis! Free produce will be available for the first 150 families.
Coffee and Conversation
Join 35th Ward Alderman Anthony Quezada and me for coffee and a chance to discuss issues that are facing our communities. We’ll be at Sip of Hope Coffee, 3039 W Fullerton, on Saturday September 6 from 10am to 12pm. See you then!
Northwest Center Housing Services
Northwest Center is offering various services to help with first time homebuying support, foreclosure prevention, and other monthly housing workshops. Check out the flyer for more information and how you can get in touch with Northwest Center to join these workshops.