Suburban Cook County residents who are struggling to pay their rent or utilities might be eligible for Cook County's Emergency Rental Assistance Program. The Cook County ERA program pays up to 18 months of total assistance.
Manager of Stabilization Services Joann Boblick is among the BEDS staff available to help those who need help with an application. Boblick has helped many clients with rental assistance applications, including Douglas. Douglas came to the BEDS office in tears after his wife had passed away and his family struggled to cope with her loss. He needed to leave his job in order to care for his young son, even though it meant he would not be able to pay rent.
When Douglas came to BEDS for help, he and his son were facing eviction. Boblick helped Douglas apply for rental assistance through the Illinois Department of Human Services rental assistance program. Douglas and his son received help and were able to stay in their home.
During the initial round of the Cook County ERA program in the spring, BEDS distributed flyers throughout local communities to spread the word. BEDS staff worked with renters and landlords alike to help them apply for assistance. BEDS was able to help 25 households receive assistance. A total of $210,882.38 of assistance was received, which ranged from $3,597.14 to $15,104.81. The average assistance per household was $8,435.30.
The Cook County ERA program opened to both renters and landlords on Monday. The deadline to apply is Oct. 29. Full program details are available at cookcountyil.gov/rent-help. The first step is to gather the necessary documents needed to apply for rental or utilities assistance.
Boblick said BEDS is working to contact those applicants who previously applied for assistance, encouraging them to reapply. BEDS also is working to spread the word throughout the community, reaching out to municipal and civic partners to let them know about the Cook County ERA program.
For those who need help with an application, BEDS staff are available. Please call 708-354-0858 for assistance.
