COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAMS:
Emergency Shelter, Transitional Shelter, Homeless Prevention, Information/Referral & Advocacy, Dental Care Program & Scholarship Program
Community Service Director: Sue Rose (815) 338-7752
These programs provide a variety of services to low income households. Although they are state and federally funded, all programs have been locally designed to meet the needs of the people in our community.
A Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) and an Illinois Department of Human Services Homeless Prevention General Revenue Fund grant provide funding for programs where those who are at-risk of homelessness may receive one-time assistance toward their security deposit, first month's rent or past-due rent. The CSBG also funds a program which may provide short term emergency shelter to McHenry County residents who are homeless. Please see the Homless Prevention Programs Required Document List (revised 3/18/08) & the Shelter Rules and required Document list (revised 6/25/08) for additional information on applying for these programs.
Through a Homeless Services Provider grant from the Illinois Department of Human Services, the Housing Authority leases three apartments in Woodstock to be used for transitional shelter. Homeless McHenry County families may be permitted to occupy these shelter units for up to 60 days. Most families have used this 60 day stay to stabilize their incomes and have moved from the transitional shelter into permanent housing.
The McHenry County Housing Authority receives a small annual grant from the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board to supplement and extend our already existing emergency shelter programs. When available, these funds allow MCHA to offer additional short-term emergency shelter to McHenry County residents who are homeless.
The CSBG Dental Care Program assists those who need dental care but who lack the means to obtain that care. Using a voucher system, this program allows recipients to receive treatment from a dentist of their choice. Please see the Dental Program Information Sheet for additional information.
The CSBG also funds scholarships for continuing education. These may be provided to those who wish to further their education and job skills in an effort to improve their employability.
Please note that there are eligibility and documentation requirements for all programs, and you can find this information by following the links on the left side of this page or calling our office at the above telephone number.